98 Dodge Ram Wagon cranks but will not start.

We replaced the battery a couple weeks ago. I ran an errand early one morning last week and left the lights on. I figured i had just drained the battery. My husband came home later that evening and tried jumping it.
I have since fully charged the battery. Same issue, cranks but will not start and now we notice the gauges are not working. Not sure if it's a relay or where to even start.........Please help

 

You need to start with having it scanned for trouble codes. A code or two can eliminate a lot of guesswork. However, the fact that the gauges don't work is a common sign for the ECM (computer) to either not be getting power or just being blown.

 

Alloro- it had no other problems until me draining the battery. Could I have fried the computer when jumping it?

 

As a rule no, that shouldn't happen. However, if the ECM was on the verge of going bad, the strain of jumping or the low battery could've pushed it over the edge.

 

When I sent my PCM in for repair for my 1999, the fellow at the company that repaired mine told me that its very common for the sodder joints that hold the eprom chip to the board in the PCM to get weak or break loose over time.

I sent mine into SIA electronics in Tilden IL. They charge $199 to repair it and give you a lifetime warranty as long as you own the vehicle. They charge $89 if they just test it.

I have had absolutely no issues with mine since they repaired it and they had a very quick turn around time.

Jason

 

Stiil haven't fixed my poor kid hauler! Giving in to a mechanic tomorrow. Was told by tech at dealership to replace the ignition relay....... NOT the problem. Gauges aren't working, indicator lights (brakes, ABS, seatbelts) and odometer work. Tech also told me it me it may be the PCM fuse. Don't know where its located and can't find it!! One good thing that has come out of this is finding this awesome website! I've had the van for only a few months and can't wait to fix this problem and move on to refurbishing it with the help of everyone here! Thanks for the feedback. If anyone else can provide any help with this problem or where the PCM fuse may be located, please help!! Thanks to you all!!

 

If the gauges are not working,(gas,alternator, oil pressure), then its a good bet its a PCM. "The PCM opens and closes the ignition coil ground circuit to operate the ignition coil. That is done to adjust the ignition timing, both (base) and advance, and for the changing engine operating conditions." This quote was taking directly from the shop manual for my 1999. The 3.9, 5.2, and 5.9 for these years use a similar if not identical ignition system.

There is no vacuum advance as the PCM controls this also.

Ignition coil: " Battery voltage is supplied to the ignition coil positive terminal from the ASD relay. The PCM opens and closes the ignition coil ground circuit for ignition coil operation. " This again it taken from my shop manual for my 1999 dodge van.


ASD: Automatic Shutdown Relay

" As one of its functions, the ASD relay will supply battery voltage to the ignition coil. The ground circuit for the ASD relay is controlled by the Powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM regulates ASD relay operation by switching the ground circuit on-and-off." Quote from my official 1999 Shop Manual.

Ok so if your vehicle has battery power to the coil, but you get no spark, I would check the ASD first. If it gets spark and does not fire, then the PCM would be suspect. At least this is my logic.

I have no idea what fuse was suggested to you but is it possible its the ASD. There should be a fuse box near the battery that has fuses and relays in it. There is a secondary fuse box on the side of the dash as you open the door but I think what you are after is under the hood.

I would suspect after reading what you have typed is the gauges are not working it would be the PCM. Thats just my opinion and I have not personally looked at your vehicle.

You do not need to take your vehicle into a mechanic to remove your PCM. Just disconnect the battery, then in the center of your hood near the front you will see a rectangular box with three plugs that go in it. Carefully remove the plugs(do not grab them by the wires to pull them off), and then If I remember right there are 3 or 4 (10mm) bolts you need to remove. Thats all there is to it. Leave the battery disconnected until you get the repaired unit back. If you attempt to cheap out on this repair you will pay for it later. I personally recommend SIA electronics in Tilden IL. They will repair your unit and not just exchange it with one for a junkyard. Let me know if you need a link to their website.

Jason