1999 Dodge Ram Truck dies while idling or driving

Tiny
SGT JOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
At any speed the truck will just shut down and die. When I attempt to restart, the voltage is showing to be 8 or less. After sitting a couple minutes the volts will go up to around 10 and the truck will restart. Alternator and battery have tested out fine. Up until the truck dies volts are showing to be 14. HELP.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 9:29 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
It takes 11volts for the computer to function to control the sensors and actuators within the engine management system-sound like this charging system field winding generation is being controlled by the computer have checked out see below


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_1999_dodge_ram_2.jpg

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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
SGT JOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Im aware of the voltage requirement, Im asking what could cause the deficiency
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
What you need to do when it dies out immediately check for fuel and spark-do below and get back asap so we can continue to march

Get helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -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, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 10:50 PM
Tiny
SGT JOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Has gas and spark. Now when the truck goes back up to 10-11 volts and restarts you have to give it gas to keep it running. Im being told the computer may have failed.
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Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Okay Sarge lets try the idle air control motor/throttle position sensor/EGR and PVC valves to include checking the exhaust for restriction and report back asap
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Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
SGT JOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
They are fine. The truck is now dying and flashing NO BUS on the odometer
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Saturday, May 9th, 2009 AT 3:13 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
"NO BUS" message means that the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus circuit is inoperative. This circuit is the data exchange between the PCM and other various computer modules and circuits in the vehicle.

The following could be reasons for a "No Bus" message:

*A instrument cluster CPU, RAM, or EEPROM failure (includes bad grounds or broken circuits on the instrument cluster PC board)

*A poor or broken PCI data bus connection at the instrument cluster

*Certain instrument cluster fuses may be open
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Sunday, May 10th, 2009 AT 3:31 PM

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