I have a 1996 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive, 5.2 lt motor, 190000 miles, randomly dies, sometimes starts right back up but other times have to leave it set for awhile. Any input and help would be great.

 

Need to find out what's missing when it won't start, spark, or fuel. Next time it quits on ya, see what you can find out.

 

Next time it dies or wont start, humor me and unplug and replug your connector from the bottom of your coil, see if it fires right after :P

Anyways, add more info, is it cranking and no spark? no crank? fuel pump priming?

 

HeyYou, whats the best way to check both of those issues, not very good when it comes working on these trucks with all the computer and electronics stuff, willing to learn and try before sending it to a mechanic.

Max, it cranks over, but unsure on spark or getting fuel, like i said with HeyYou looking for input on how to check these issues.

 

There are a few ways to check for spark, some use the old screwdriver trick, you could google search various methods and try which your most comfortable with. By that point via process of elimination, if you're getting crank (draws air), and spark, the only thing you should be missing is fuel. Listen that when you turn the key to run that the fuel pump primes for like 3 seconds then shuts off, doesnt ensure its getting proper pressure to fuel rail, but its something. Like I said, try unplugging and re plugging the connectors on your coil to make sure those are good and not bobbling lose while driving (as mine do :*(....).

 

Any codes?
http://dodgeram.info/Engine-Gas/OBDI/pcm_fault_code.htm