Crank sensor or the fuel pump... my bet is the crank sensor.

next time it dies, turn off the radio, roll up the windows and turn the key on. listen for the fuel pump to kick on for about 2 seconds. if it doesnt then your fuel pump is dying. if it does then check for spark, no spark then swap the crank sensor. it's located on the back of the motor on the passenger side near the head (right where the tranny bolts up. it has 2 allen head screws holding it in... easy swap on a ram.

 

I just went through this problem in late 2006. My '99 5.9L 1500 died three times within about two weeks, odometer read "No BuS", all guages died, truck wouldn't start. I went through every troubleshooting tip I could find on this site (including a check of both the crank sensor and the fuel pump - both were fine) as my frustration intensified I finally broke down and bought a rebuilt PCM, installed it myself and have been going strong for about 5000 miles (4 months) with no issues.

From what I've read on the forum about this issue, nobody has gotten any satisfaction from a dealer visit. Nothing against dealers, but they don't seem to have the time or patience to dig into an intermittant problem. If they don't see the issue while the truck is there, they won't fix it.

 

5000 miles without an issue.Sounds to me like the PCM is the answer. I'm going to go ahead and give that a try myself.

 

Today, tried firing up my truck using command start,.. wouldnt start,.. went out.. tried,. nothing.. threw in some gasline antifreeze.. waited an hour, started right up. puking out black as well as brown exhaust.--..but it wouldnt idle, just fire up, then die... repeated a few times, then managed to get it to idle, back to 'clear' exhaust. i left it running for about 30 mins.. went for a drive, to check for the problem via the throttle., and then returned,. tried my command start again, she fired up then died 4-6 seconds afterwards... there is what sounds to be a whine, but a real painful one at that,. Im guessing I'm needing to replace the pump.. i just hope that there's a shop that will be able to do it for me tomorrow with parts in stock., however, the whine itself sounds more like its coming from the front not the back..... i'll have to go back out and listen for sure. frig.. its too cold out there to work on a truck without a garage.


*edit. ya, definately the pump, and i found out tonight I had been deathflashed.

 

My 99 1500 did the same thing and it was the speed sensor located on the top of the rear pumpkin...only 35 bucks at a dealership. Haven't had a problem since then.

 

So do you guys suggest changing the PCM, fuel pump, or a sensor? How much is the PCM?

 

Just received a call from the dealer and they said its the PCM.

 

How much are they charging you to change it out? Look here: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...mp;catalogid=1

Takes about 2 minutes to change.

 

I got my PCM from a company called Auto Computer Exchange, 888-664-8787 and paid $304 including shipping. However, Socha_62 on this forum said a few months ago that you can get a Mopar Performance PCM for $100. If you want to try that, the experiment will cost 1/3 the price.

 

There going to charge me about $700 dollars I still have not decided whether I should let them do it or not. What is the difference between a ECM and a PCM? If I change it myself would I need to program it or would it already be programmed? Where is it located?