Hard to start

Tiny
GJP105
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
  • 1999 DODGE RAM
  • 14,000 MILES
99 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4, 5.9 gasoline V-8. Hard to start, acts like timing is wrong, starter cant turn over the engine. Then will start and run with foot on gas. New battery, new starter, recently tuned up. Unplug battery cable to reset computer. Then it will turn over and crank if you give it gas. Must keep foot on gas pedal to keep it running after it starts. I think its a sensor - but which one? TPS/CSPS/MAP?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Any applicable trouble codes? You should have checked for codes before you did anything If the starter won't crank, see if you can turn the crankshaft by hand, pull the spark plugs and accessory belt/s if you have to. If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the plugs. If you have spark everywhere, use a gage and check fuel pressure.

If it is just an idle issue, clean the throttle-body and idle air system.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GJP105
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Auto zone shows no codes. It is not an idle issue, it is a timing issue. After it finally cranks, I keep foot on gas pedal, but have found that is not always necessary. Will run forever, until I kill the engine. Kill it - it may re-crank with no problem or it may act like the starter cant turn over the engine.

FYI - I have not done anything because of this new issue. The starter was out because of the solonoid, the tune up and battery were because it was due, and a new O2 sensor was because of a code (check engine light). All these things were done months ago. This hard starting issue is brand new issue.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Do a compression test. Check your timing chain.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ATMCLENDON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • DODGE RAM
Hi there, I have a 97 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 with 5.9L engine and 120,000 miles. The vehicle is only driven 1-2 times per month for 20 -30 miles each time. All of a sudden the vehicle won't start without engine starting fluid. It idles rough for 1-2 minutes and then when it starts to warm up, runs fine. There is no hesitation once it is warm if I stomp the accelerator out on the road so it seems to be getting plenty of fuel. Someone at work mentioned the crank position sensor. No codes in the PCM. Also, what is the difference between the Crank position sensor and the crank angle sensor?

Thank you,
Drew McLendon
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
There is no difference. That might not be a bad place to start. Get back to me
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GJP105
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The compression check is great, the spark plugs look great (and they are new ones and new wires with new cap and rotor). If it was the timing chain, wouldnt this happen all the time? Instead - this an intermittent problem that happens usually after driving it for a while (after it has warmed Up). If it sits overnight - it will crank right up, just dont kill it unless you are ready for this issue to possibly happen.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ATMCLENDON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Jack,

According to my local parts store, I have both on my 97 Dodge Ram, a crank position sensor ($39.99) and a crank angle sensor ($69.99 w/ a core charge)
They also showed me both. The angle sensor is round and and flat 3/4 inch thick and about the same diameter as the distr. The crank position sensor is about the same size as a thumb and has a mounting bracket on the base. Other than a wire harness attached, they are two separate items. Why would the Dodges have both if they are the same thing?
Also, **IF** I can get the truck started would it be beneficial to take it to the dodge dealer? Can they see a fault in these sensors without the check engine light being on?

Thanks,
Drew McLendon
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Your the one that said it was timing? Check for spark at the plugs when problem is ongoing. If you have spark everywhere, use a gage and check fuel pressure. Your bouncing all over the place. I guess I would have to look at it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Chrysler is funny about those, Jeeps use the same one. One is in the dist. Under the rotor. The other in the bell housing
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GJP105
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
My shop manual says that the timing is controlled by sensors that send a signal to the PCM. This truck would run from Texas to California as long as you dont kill it and try and start it soon after killing it. It may start right up, or it may act like a timing problem. If you un-hook the battery cable for a minute and try the starter it will crank up with the foot on gas pedal.

You do not think it is a sensor? Crankshaft or camshaft sensor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
COULD THIS, OR INSIDE IT'S PORT NEED A GOOD CLEANING?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Idle-Air-Control-Valve/1999-Dodge-RAM-2500-3-4-ton-4WD/_/N-jdlw2Z9gsof?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=IAC&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=68626_127739_0_

THE MEDIC
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MORTISLUTER
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
Crank position sensor fixed mine. Just would not start sometimes, but ran okay when it did. Ran me about $150.00 for the part and to have it installed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SETAY.J
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 258,000 MILES
When I turn the key on, the fuel pump continually runs. I use to be able to let the truck sit for 20 minutes with the key on for the fuel pump to shut off before I could start it. After running for awhile, I
can turn the truck right off and then right back on with no problem. If let it sit for awhile I'm back where I started.I've noticed that when I'm able to start it the GEN light comes on and off. Lately though it has been taking longer to start all the way to draining the battery at this point I jump start it and it will usually start. When it is running it runs strong.

Parts replaced:ALT, ING switch, crank and cam sensor, Distributor, rotor, coil, IAC, starter, ASD and fuel relay and fuel regulator. Cleaned every ground I could
find. Cleaned plenum. Checked all fuses with probe.
Also tried a new battery although I had the one in the truck tested which was good.

Again the problem is with starting not with running.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GJP105
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks, will give that a look.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CATAFINA
  • MECHANIC
  • 167 POSTS
Go here:
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/hard-to-start-90017915
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hope you found the issue.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
This may be a shorted wire or pcm problem. See if the brn/wht wire is giving power all the time to relay if it is then it may be what I said. Also scan for codes as well. And check grounds to pcm and body/battery
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GJP105
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Have not had time to work on it, maybe this weekend.

Will post what is found. Thanks for all your help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SETAY.J
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Here is an update on my truck, between working two jobs and what little time I have to work on it. All the wiring seems to be okay. It's happens that the pcm was in fact the problem. I found a place on line that programs the pcm before they ship it one of those plug in and drive. Once I did, I don't think the starter made a quarter turn before the truck fired right up. It's such a great feeling.

Thank you so much for your help. Thank you thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 31st, 2019 AT 10:30 AM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links