I have a 1999 Ram with a 318. Most of the time it starts. If I do not start it for a day it will crank, run all the way down like a dead battery then start. I have to keep giving it gas until it smoothes out. After that will start fine. I have checked the battery. I also pulled a few fuses like the seat belt buzzer and the key alert. Most of the time if I turn the key to on and give it a few seconds it helps, but not always. When I plug them inI get a little spark, when left in van starting is worse. I am thinking maybe a ground wire or something of this sort. Just leaving my lights on a few minutes will cause the same reaction. As long as I hold the key on all the way it will eventually start.. I would appriciate any ideas.

 

Your fuel pump could be weak. Get a pressure test done to confirm that you have sufficient pressure.

 

I replaced the fuel pump about 2 months ago. Had this problem even before that..Thank you for replying.

 

Well if you're confident in the fuel pump being good, then the next thing to look for is a loose wire. When it won't start you'll need to begin wiggle testing the wires that go to the engine and the PCM until the engine starts. It's helpful to have someone else do the cranking while you're doing the wiggle tests. This way you'll know which wires are suspect because the engine will fire over as you're wiggling the bad connection.

 

Thank you I will try that next. Could this be a weak starter?

 

anlake2,

Test the ignition coil. Make sure it's putting out the proper ohms. Last year my 5.2L Magnum engine was very hard starting like yours after it sat for a day. Well, the problem got worse as time went on. I nearly had to start it every 6 hours to make sure the "no start" problem stayed away.

If the ignition coil is the problem, then make sure you get a very good replacement along with a new cap-n-rotor that has copper/brass contacts vs. the very bad aluminum contacts.

Peace!

Stev

 

Nope, the starter is fine. Although I can say, the starter and battery won't stay fine if you keep doing all of that cranking and battery draining.

 

Thanks Steve,
I think that I will try that for sure. (the ignition coil.) I really appriciate your responses!!
Anne

 

Alloro
The wiring seems to be fine. And you are right I wont have a starter or battery if I keep this up.
thank you
Anne