I hope I'm in the right category here. I really need some help from guys who know what they are talking about. 1996 Dodge Ram 3500. 318 (5.9L) engine with 90k miles. Brand new fuel pump few months back. Replaced IACV due to improper idle/crank issue. So you will just be driving down the road and about 10 minutes into your trip every time the van will just die without warning. feels like the fuel pump just completely stops pumping. Weird part is that it will not crank immediately after it dies, you have no choice but to sit there for 10 minutes or so, and then it will start back like there was never a problem. Other weird part is that after it does this one time it will not do it again for the rest of your trip on that day, even if you drive it several hours. it happened to me today and I switched the fuel pump relay with the auto shutdown relay and it fired back up but I don't know if that was coincidence as I had already been sitting about 8 minutes. What is the purpose of the auto shutdown relay anyway? I have also replaced the coolant temperature sensor to make sure the PCM was not shutting down due to faulty information. I would think that if it were the fuel pump relay overheating then it would do it multiple times per day. I'd like to speak with someone who has dealt with this problem before, I'm not really looking for guesses. Also has a brand new battery. Let me know if you need additional information. Thanks guys.

 

The ASD relay supplies power to the PCM, fuel injectors, ignition coil, and a few other odds and ends. Your problem is either a bad relay or a bad PCM.

 

That is a bold statement. I like that. I am going to replace the ASD relay and the Fuel Pump Relay. I'll let you know what happens with that. What would be the pin out test if it's a bad PCM?

 

I don't understand the question.

 

Would there be a certain pin on the PCM or connector that I could check for voltage, or a certain ohm reading to be certain it wasn't a bad PCM? Or should I just not make problems bigger for myself and just replace the relays at this point in time? You sound very certain that it's relays or the PCM cutting power.

 

There is not anyway for those like you and me to test a PCM.

 

Not sure if this '95 works for your model http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/chr...L/pcm-pin-outs
This information would be in a factory service manual which would be wise to pick up.

Do you get a diagnostic/check engine light? I assume not.

Replacing the relay seems like a no brainer in terms of ease/cost.

 

I'm actually waiting on the parts house to open so I can grab two relays, but on the parts house websites I'm finding the wrong relays. Any idea a part number or what they might be listed under?

 

 

BTW, if you're not aware already
Start at pg 73 for Common Misdiagnosis of JTEC and pg 74 for advice below. (20MB pdf)

Do not use test lights!

Many returned

modules exhibit

internal component

damage caused by

excessive current

demands from external sources.

Test lights CAN draw excessive current.

NEVER use a test light to check solid

state electronic circuits! A scan tool,

digital voltmeter, LED tester (logic probe)

or oscilloscope are the ONLY types

of equipment to be used when

troubleshooting Powertrain

Control Modules.