Intermittent crank no start issue

2004 DODGE RAM
280,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JHSMIT6
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Truck will crank and run sometimes but has left me stranded a couple times. It currently will crank but not run. I have checked the fuel pump fuse and relay. They are both good. The relay clicks when the ignition is turned on. I replaced the relay just to make sure it was good. The ignition switch has also been replaced recently. The fuel pump was replaced about a year ago. I have scanned the truck for codes and there are no stored fault codes. the service engine light is not on. The fuel pump can be heard only sometimes. It will run when you can hear the pump running. It idles at about 740 RPM's when it runs. It does act like the fuel pump loses power sometimes when idling. It will just cut off for no reason. I am confused as to what could be causing the pump to stop working and then start working again. It gets frustrating driving to the store and then it not starting. Any help would be appreciated.
Apr 30, 2020 at 6:42 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,346 POSTS
Hello,

This is common when the TIPM goes out. To confirm lets do a CAN scan which is the future of automotive repair. you can get a CAN scanner from Amazon for about $50.00. here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Here is the instructions to replace the TIPM in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
May 1, 2020 at 12:14 PM
Avatar
JHSMIT6
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ken,
Thank you for your response. The current update is: I purchased an Autel AL519 CAN scan tool and scanned the truck tonight. I retrieved one code P0137. I also did an I/M Readiness scan and the following systems came back as being incomplete and the scanner could not perform a diagnostic test on any of the following: O2S -- O2 Sensors Monitor, EGR -- EGR System Monitor, CAT -- Catalyst Monitor, EVAP -- Evaporative System Monitor, and HRT -- O2 Sensor Heater Monitor. After the scans, I tried to start the truck and it started and ran for about 3mins. then shut off like it ran out of fuel and would not start back. I could not hear the fuel pump running after it shut off. I could smell fuel but could not get the truck to run. It would crank as before but not run. I have attached a couple pictures. One of the scan tool and software version i used and one of the I/m Readiness test result. Can a bad O2 Sensor cause it not to start or am I really looking for a broken wire in the wiring harness?
Thanks,
Jon
May 12, 2020 at 8:11 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,346 POSTS
The P0137 is telling us the secondary O2 sensors could be shorting causing the issue. can you please unplug it and try to start the engine? Here is the location and guide to walk you through the steps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-oxygen-sensor

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

May 14, 2020 at 10:29 AM
Avatar
JHSMIT6
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ken,
I performed the test as you requested. No improvement. I did find the problem though. I was getting out from under the truck after the test and noticed a wiring harness connector located under the body right at the drivers door that looked like the locking tab was not in place. i touched it and the connector came apart. I was working with the connector when i noticed a bulge in the insulation on a red wire and a skinned place on the green wire next to it. upon further investigation i found a broken wire with a large amount of oxidation. I cleaned them spliced and soldered them and put it all back together. It is running great now. I will test it out over the next few days but i am sure that was the problem. the wiring harness the broken wire was in was going to the fuel pump and tank down the rail on the drivers side. I attached a picture of what i found.
Thank you so much for your help!
Jon
May 14, 2020 at 6:47 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,346 POSTS
Great find! Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
May 15, 2020 at 11:47 AM
Avatar
CODYTCT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
For a while my truck has been hard to start in the morning but this not morning it wont start it turns overs and true to start but wont start and it make a noise like bumping noise by the fuel take I can hear the fuel pumping running
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 20,761 POSTS
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
PORTLANDRAM1500
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
ive got a dodge ram that runs great but last night it started i was sitting there it died and now wont start i replaced the fuel pump and cleaned fuel system 8 months ago it has never has any problems last night it just died and will not start.tried starting fluid and quick visual but nothing
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,309 POSTS
Start by reading and recording the diagnostic fault codes. Chrysler makes doing that yourself real easy. Cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds without cranking the engine, leave it in "run", then watch the code numbers appear in the odometer display.
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
MBEENER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When I turn the key there is a clicking noise. I don't think it is the battery because my lights come on and the gauges still work, the engine just won't turn over. Please help!
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
BMRFIXIT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 19,053 POSTS
check and clean battery terminals

If the battery low light will still come on but will not have enough to turn the engine
my suggestion is to get jump and if start then I would check /replace the battery
if no change I would check /replace starter
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STICK01
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Having starting problems sometimes truck starts right up with no problems other times have to repeatedly crank over and over until it starts. This process may take upto 5 minutes. Have had the fuel pump replaced. Nothing is showing on diagnostic computer. Have taken to more than one mechanic. They are stuck. Any suggestions or ideas would be great.
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
When it happens, you need to check fuel pump pressure and for spark. First, you may not have spark due to an electrical issue or the fuel pressure regulator could be causing problems. Also, did you replace the fuel filter when the pump was replaced?

Let me know.
Joe
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
STICK01
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for replying Joe.

I have been told by the mechanics that there is no fuel filter. They said Dodges dont have fuel filters????
So no the fuel filter was not changed with the fuel pump. If it was the fuel pressure regulator or an electical issue would it not register on the computer diagnositcs. They hook it to the computer and it tells them there is no errors. I have taken it to 2 different auto repair shops and they both say the same thing. Everyone is stumped.
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
The fuel filter is on top of the fuel tank and part of the sending unit. As far as the pressure, it wouldn't set a code. If it is electrical, then it would.
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
TANNER40
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Truck won't start. First attempts were just clicking and then nothing. Few minutes later it started and ran fine. Four more starts were normal... then nothing... no turning over. Turn the key and dashboard lights and interior blinking at random. Still not turning over.

The battery connections are tight, lights were bright and the guage said it had a good charge.
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
LEGITIMATE007
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 5,121 POSTS
if your not getting the clicking noise, then check the starter relay,,. also try starting it in neutral just to make sure its not the neutral safety switch.
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
KCBSKTBLL7
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
2004 Dodge Ram

The key wont turn in the ignition, so the car wont start
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Two things to try: First, try a different key. If that doesn't work, use a penetrating oil or tumbler grease to see if that will loosten anything for you. If that doesn't, chances are the tumbler will need replaced.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
FANTASYLANE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My truck would start with starting fluid I changed my fuel pump with the battery connected and now it will not start even with starting fluid did I trip a safty relay or somthing I dont have 200 caricters to say to fill this up
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,309 POSTS
You left out a lot of important information. Which engine do you have? What is the symptom? "Doesn't start" is as informative as "I'm in pain".

Does the starter crank the engine at the proper speed? Do you have a diesel or gas engine? Have you checked for spark and fuel pressure? What about diagnostic fault codes. Has anyone checked for those?
May 15, 2020 at 11:48 AM (Merged)
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.