1992 Dodge Ram Wont start when its cold outside

MACRANDERME

MEMBER
1992 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I have a 1992 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 318ci engine and it has an automatic transmission and 4 wheel drive. I have never had a problem with the truck until this winter. Its not used much but Indiana has gotten a lot of snow. When I needed it I went outside colder than you know what and it wouldnt start. I had it towed in and the mechanic said after he set it inside and warmed up it started but he had to mash the peddle to the floor. Usually you just need to turn the key and it starts without giving it any gas.
But after it let it sit outside and it gets cold again he has no fire to the coil.
Its like the ignitions system is dead. He has heard that some says its a ballast resistor?
Some say condensation in the computer?
HELP I NEED MY DODGE.
Mike

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,262 POSTS

THey haven't used a ballast resister since the early 70's. And even then, they would fire in the start position and die in the run position, so no to that. As far as the computer, doubtful. I would first check the crank sensor. It is under hood, center, rear engine area, above transmission bellhousing, mounted on upper rear of engine block. That would be my first thing to check.

Let me know what you find. Also, since the car doens't get used much, make sure the pickup coil in the distributor isn't rusted and not getting a good signal.

Finally, is there even power to the + side of the coil?