1995 Dodge Ram Engine starting problems

Tiny
WILCLAIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 DODGE RAM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 183,000 MILES
I have a Dodge Ram Van 1500. Just this summer I noticed a problem with starting. When I turned the ignition switch the engine cranked fine but would not start. By luck I left the key in the run position while I scratched my head. I then heard a faint clicking sound that grew in intensity and then stopped, the van started just fine after that. I got use to turning the ignition on and stopping just before the crank and waited for the clicking to start and stop. Van started after that every time. This would only happen in the morning or when the van had been off for over a few hrs. As the weather started to get colder the wait time for the clicking to start lengthened and so did the wait time for it to stop. Now that summer is almost over the whole process takes over 35min. Oh the clicking sound came from the relays on the fire wall just left of the battery. I replaced them (RY607) but to no avail Please help.
Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 7:50 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check and test the ASD relay
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Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 AT 2:40 AM
Tiny
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That was the first thing I did in fact I replaced them as they were only 20.00.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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What is it doing now-cranking over and will not start-or you still have to play with the key and wait?
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
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Yes it is doing the same as before no change. You turn it on it will crank just fine but will not start. Key has to be left in the run position just as explained originally.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Cranks and no start do below to determine if its fuel or spark

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
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  • 6 POSTS
The coil was replaced less than a year ago. Van is not used much to warrant a problem there. There is no spark but when the clicking of the relays start and finally stop. The engine will crank and start like nobodies business. What takes place when the key is turned to crank. Where does the coil get its signal from. Why does it get worse when its cooler outside.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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Turn key on and check for power at the coil and injectors dark green and orange wire if there's nothing on both check the computer controlled of the ASD relay circuit
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
WILCLAIRE
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Ok the engine is running now. Not that the problem is fixed but after leaving the key in the run position since 9:15 this morning the relays started their clicking routine about 2.5 hrs ago and now have stopped. And just as always it started up as if nothing was wrong. This thing is weird.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 11:45 AM
Tiny
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That is all I'll be able to do since it started it wont have a problem again unit it has been off for a few hrs.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
CHARLIEH73
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  • 1 POST
Did u ever get problem fixed
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Sunday, December 20th, 2015 AT 4:32 PM

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