Idles great and shuts off?

1996 DODGE RAM
160,000 MILES • 5.9L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DNJFUN13
Broke down. Backfired and quit running wouldn’t start. Changes out plugs and wires, cleaned throttle body, even changed out TPS. It starts rough, then runs great until I put it in drive and take off then shuts off. It’s getting url but I’m wondering if it’s losing pressure for some reason when I go to take off? Thanks!
Aug 19, 2025 at 10:08 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,171 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The description sounds a lot like a failing crank position sensor. Poor starting, no power and dies if you try to give it throttle. It bolts through a hole in the bellhousing on the right side of the engine at the rear, in line with the top of the exhaust manifold. Remove the air cleaner tube and remove the bolts, lift out the sensor, disconnect it, put on the grommet on the new sensor and put it into place. Tighten the bolts to 70 inch pounds. plug it in and see if it runs okay now.
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Aug 20, 2025 at 2:48 AM
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DNJFUN13
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Seems to me after further exploration that crankshaft sensor is tied into transmission case. ???
Aug 20, 2025 at 5:54 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,171 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It bolts in place on the top of the block and goes through the bellhousing unless this is a heavy duty truck.
Aug 20, 2025 at 6:45 PM
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