First I would like to say hello! New to having account old to viewing the forums....

So I am needing help with my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 5.2L Extended Cab SLT. I have tried a trial and error of things and have no clue what it could be now. Keep in mind sometimes truck will start and run fine. Other times not...
Here is the problem:
1. While driving, truck will randomly die. Almost like someone hits an engine kill switch. Still will coast, have power, all gauges reading, etc. On occasion it will die and come back alive right away. Others times it won't. Sometimes I can even pop it into neutral and it will come back roaring like nothing happen.
2. Sometimes will not start, especially right after it dies.

Any and all help will be appreciated!

Recently replaced:
Battery & Battery Terminal Connectors
Spark Plugs & Spark Plug Wires
TPS
Ignition Coil
Thermostat & Thermostat Gasket
Blow Motor Relay, Starter Relay, & Trailer Relay switches.

 

That's going to be either the crank sensor, or the PCM..... Something is getting hot, and failing. Next time it dies, or won't start, check for spark, and injector pulse. See what ya get.

Welcome to DF!

 

I do know a few switches / relays get hot quick. So maybe PCM then?

 

If you have an OBD2 scanner (if you don't have one, they are cheap to obtain), connect it when the problem occurs to see if there is a stored or pending code that might provide a clue as to what exactly is going on. When my truck used to shutoff for no reason, I plugged in my scanner when it died and it provided a code that pointed to the crank sensor going bad. Replaced the crank sensor and all has been well.

 

It does sound like a heat soak issue. Especially if it fails more often in hot weather. A few more details though. How many miles on the truck? When it dies, does it sputter any? The next time it dies, I'd see if shooting a little starting fluid or FLAMMABLE brake cleaner into the air intake makes any difference. I don't think it will but it will eliminate one possibility. Some brake cleaner is NON-flammable so look at the can.

Personally I would suspect the crank or cam position sensor. If one of these fails, you might not get a check engine light. The computer doesn't know it's supposed to be getting a signal. It's just not told to fire the ignition.

 

Cam sensor will keep the engine from starting, but won't kill a running engine.