This is the second time in 2years this has happened. Well, I did just what I did last time. Obviously starting with making sure I had spark. Sure did. Still changed the wires and plugs, also, distributor cap, rotor , crank shaft sensor, camshaft sensor, map sensor, IAC, EVAP canister, new tps relays are fine. Also getting fuel. Now, I'm perplexed. Could it be my PCM? Or how hard would it be to throw of timing? It's a 1997 dodge ram 1500 5.2 8cyl 2wd. Any ideas are welcome. Please help I'm lost

 

How many miles on it? How many miles on the plugs, and what type are they? Does the fuel pump prime?

 

Shoot a little starting fluid or brake cleaner into the throttle body. If it runs a little, then dies, you have a fuel issue. If it doesn't start at all, you have an electrical issue. The spark may not be getting to the plugs, or not at the right time.

 

Is the check engine light on? If so, if you have a code scanner, are there any pending or stored codes being displayed?

 

the code scanner had a misfire on the 8cyl. But, I fixed that when I cleaned the fuel injectors. Since then someone who wanted to play with my code reader erased the codes. As far as the check engine light........ wait for it.... I took off the plastic cover from the dashboard years ago and painted it in black . Back in the day before dmv in NJ had dianostic test they would fail you for inspection if check engine light was on. I know I could take it back off and remove the paint but, I'm in dire straights since Suzie q is my baby (truck). She has a rebuilt tranny from 5 years ago. The friends neighbor's house driveway shes parked in wants it removed. I get plenty of fuel. When I spray it with starting fluid it may turn over for 5 sec. Tops.

 

So if the spark isnt getting into the plugs or not at the right time could it be the PCM? i traced out the harness with a harbor frieght wire tester and it seemed fine. As far as the plugs and wires i always go cheap.

 

Might want to hook up your scanner to the truck to see if there are any codes present since you've disabled the check engine light. If you haven't disconnected the battery, they should still be there.

Also, are you saying that when you spray starting fluid in the throttle body, the engine fires for a few seconds, then dies? If that's the case, this points to a possible bad fuel pump, however, it would be helpful to pull any codes that the PCM has stored. You can also check to see how much fuel pressure you're getting at the injector rail by hooking up a fuel pressure gauge at the schrader port on the injector rail.