i have an 96 2500 van with a 318. now what happens is i go to start the van and i have to cycle the key 2 - 10 times til the mil light flickers on and off then it stays on and then it stays illuminated then i shut key off and then it will crank. this happened before i changed the ignition switch so i changed it. but it still doing the same thing. after the MIL LIGHT flickers and stays on i shut it off and it will crank and run. but if i shut it off for a minute or so i have to go though this same process to get it to run. if i just turn key on MIL LIGHT comes on and goes right out (less than a second), but cycling key til MIL LIGHT stay on for 2-4 seconds i can shut key off then start the van with no problems. please help

 

Welcome to DF
I will move your post to the Ram Van section. We have some very knowledgeable members that maybe able to help.

 

Did you change the key switch or the actual ignition block that the key operates? Sounds like a connection issue with it.

 

Do you get a code? sounds like when you turn the van on it does a self check, and something is not right, by cycling the van on and off you must be clearing this code to start the Van.

 

Next time before attempting to start it, warm up the PCM with a hairdryer for a few minutes. After it's been warmed up try and start the engine. If the MIL problem doesn't show up then you need to replace the PCM.