I’m at my wits end with a problem I’ve been having with my ’96 Ram 2500 5.9l. I’ve owned this truck for over 10 years now and the issue started shortly after I bought it. Specifically, it will turn off on occasion when you are stopped and idling. It always starts right back up without hesitation or excessive cranking. Sometimes I can go for months without this happening – more recently it has happened twice in the same day. Since this problem is sporadic I’ve learned to live with it but it is starting to drive me crazy. I’ve done multiple tune-ups over the years and replaced many of the sensors (idle control, TPS, MAP, etc., etc.) to no avail. It doesn’t throw any codes and my mechanic and local dealer can’t find the cause – she runs smooth otherwise. Anyone experience anything similar or have any suggestions?? Help!!!

 

You don't list camshaft sensor, ever done that?

Try pulling pending codes when it's happening (I know, I know)

 

Thanks for the input Keith!

Never replaced the cam or crank position sensor. I mentioned them to my dealer but he kind of talked me out of it saying he didn't think they would cause that kind of problem. To be honest, never heard talk of the cam sensor issues but did think some folks mentioned issues with the crank sensor. I hate just throwing parts at it but may be past that point now! lol

 

Actually I believe I was mistaken...it only needs the camshaft sensor to start but the crank sensor can cause stalling? @HeyYou .....I'm getting old, suffer from CRS....

I know on Jeep 4.0's the crank sensor notoriously causes stalling.

 

Theoretically, the cam sensor isn't used after startup. One member unplugged his, with the engine running, and it continued to run, so, that seems to be the case. Failing crank sensor can cause all sorts of weirdness. Misfires, stalling, no starts, the list goes on.....

 

Yes, I had the issue with the truck's engine randomly shutting down. Luckily, I had my scanner with me when it did one of those random shutdowns and the pending code referred to a failing crank sensor. Replaced my crank sensor and all was well again.

 

Does it stumble then die or is it like turning the key to off?

 

Try to get an actual Mopar sensor, the cheap parts store junk doesn't like to get along with the Mopar computer.

 

No stumble. Sometimes if I was playing my music loud I would only notice because all the dash lites came on. She runs so smooth otherwise.

Thx!

 

I had 'the mystery stall' problem years back. After I reset the 'fuel sync' (I bought a bi-directional scan tool), no more mystery stall. Hope this helps. I know, I know, how many of us have several hundred bucks burnin' a hole in our back pockets?