2003 Dodge Ram wont start cold.

RAY90909

MEMBER
2003 DODGE RAM
4.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
331,000 MILES

Will rollover a couple of times seems to start and cuts out. Reset ignition to try again. Floods if u crank to often. Replaced battery, computer, ignition key because of the new computer. Still won't start cold.

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 AT 7:06 AM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Have you checked the fuel pump pressure when it is cold? It sounds like there could be an issue with what I call a Lazy Fuel pump or there may be an issue with the regulator.

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 AT 8:41 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Also, is this the original engine with 300K on it?

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 AT 8:41 AM

RAY90909

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3 POSTS

Yes original motor

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 AT 10:58 AM

RAY90909

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3 POSTS

I asked if it could be fuel pump related. They didn't seem to think so.

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 AT 11:01 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

I have to be honest, I have dealt with several vehicles that would only start with starting fluid. Once running, the car would restart and run fine. The pump was weak. On the flip side, I have seen pressure regulators go bad and cause low pressure leading to a no start or poor idle / running, or high pressure leading to flooding.

My other concern is engine compression. With that many miles, compression may be low causing issues when cold. Steel, unlike water, expands when it gets hot. Compression could improve once it warms up allowing it to run better. Has that been checked?