I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with a 5.9 v8 and 180k miles and just recently my engine has been dying but all the lights stay on. It will die while I’m parked and while I’m moving and at first it would start right back up but now it’s having trouble starting, it will just keep cranking and then start if I get lucky. I’m trying to link the problem to something but it seems random cause it doesn’t matter if I’m moving or not and the time between breakdowns is always different it varies from 2 minutes to 15. I asked Facebook and I found someone who said they had the exact same problem and it was fixed by replacing the ignition switch, so I jumped the gun and did that and it didn’t change anything at all.

It’s been reliable no major problems other than having to rebuild the transmission a while back and the ac system going out. Also the transmission oil cooler has a leak but Im not sure if that would be related to my problem at all excuse my ignorance.

i wanna get it back on the road if anyone could help me out with identifying where the problem is coming from I would appreciate it

 

Check for codes, and pending codes as well. Though, it has all the hallmarks of a failing crank position sensor. (on the back of the motor, behind the passenger side head, yeah, it's fun to get to....) If that turns out to be the problem, use a genuine mopar sensor ONLY. These trucks don't like the aftermarket fellers.

When it dies, and won't start, check and see if you are getting spark, and/or power to the coil while cranking. If not.... Likely crank sensor.

 

Mine did that when speed sensor on rear pumpkin was going out, I’d slow down and make a turn and she would just die, so mid turn I’d lose power steering, then at stop lights randomly just die, no bucking, or anything, just straight up shut off with all lights still on….and I have the 5.9 as well….

new speed sensor and replaced 12 inches of wiring from connector back to about where it goes behind fuel tank, and no problems since

 

As said, Crank sensor might be failing, but check any codes first. TPS is another possible culprit

Failing fuel pump could also cause it. I had that happen and it was a bad fuel pump relay. You could try swapping relays under hood. There are many identical relays so shouldn't cost anything to try. Swap FP with AC compressor relay, for example. Beyond that, fuel pressure testers can be rented for free upon return.