Ok my 1995 Ram Van 3.9L, won't crank at all in cold weather. It has plenty of juice. I do notice the amp gauge seems to be lower the when it's warm out. The lights don't dim when turning. Just hear one click then the fuel pump for a second, then nothing. If I wait 'till 3pm on most days it will start right up and be fine. Last year had the starter, relay, battery, alternator all replaced. I thought maybe it was the stater again so they replaced it yet again and on the first freezing day...nothing. HELP I am going out of my mind.

Oh yea, forgot to mention, I pulled out the ecm and brought it in the house for a few hours to warm it up, re-installed it and again..nothing.

 

Try this ...

TSB 08-21-97


No Start - Engine Failed To Crank


http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/08-21-97.htm

Models: All 94-97 BR models
1994 - 1997 (AS) Ram Van/Wagon
1994 - 1997 (AN) Dakota
1994 - 1997 (BR) Ram Truck

Symptoms:
Engine did not crank over when the ignition is placed in the START position.

Diagnosis:
Refer to the appropriate 1997 Service Manual in Group BB under the Diagnosis And Testing section for proper diagnosis of the starter motor's electrical circuit using the procedures outlined in the Feed Circuit Test.

If while performing the Feed Circuit Test you identify a loose connection at the B+ terminal of the solenoid, re-tighten the B+ nut on the starter solenoid to 13.5 Nm (120 in. lbs.) before replacing the starter motor or battery cable.

 

On the driver's side rear corner of the tranny is the neutral safety switch with a 3-wire plug going to it. The next time the van won't start, pull off the 3-wire connector and jump the center wire to a good ground and then see if it starts.

The switch could be worn just enough that when cold, contracts just enough so as to not make contact. Once it warms up some, contact is made and the starter gets power.

 

Thanks, I will try the neutral switch today

 

Any luck, my buddy (who doesn't use the internet and I'm trying to fix his van) has the same problem with his 97 (won't start cold, warms up and starts), yet we can smell gas but can't see any on the ground. I was thinking it was the fuel filter but from what I was reading it never needs replaced (??) and a pain to get to anyhow.

 

Right, it's built into the fuel pump assembly inside the fuel tank. It only gets replaced when the pump does.

 

You wouldn't happen to have pictures of this area would you? Not very familiar with his van and it's cold out ha...

 

Crawl under the van on the left side behind the front tire. At the transmission just above the back end of the transmission fluid filter pan you will find the three wire connector harness and switch.

 

I messed with and cleaned the battery to block ground wire today and it started right up. It was only about 20 outside today. I am still going to replace the neutral safety switch, I remembered that I did have to put it in neutral a few times in the past year to start her up. Good luck and I will keep you posted.

 

Do it fast and have a catch pan and rag ready. Also look for a Frame to engine ground cable/strap. If you find one, clean the contacts. If you do not find one, add one.