Lost all the coolant while driving and will not start

TRICIA CORNETT

MEMBER
2004 DODGE RAM
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

Truck had been overheating for a week. Made an appointment with mobile mechanic for about a week later. Kept checking and filling with coolant when needed. Sometime leak under truck, sometimes not. However, couple of days before appointment going down road and light smoke started coming out of hood! Pulled off road and saw the coolant completely pouring out! Truck was running just fine. But now won't start!

Monday, September 6th, 2021 AT 9:36 AM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

When you try starting it, does the starter engage, turn the engine, but the engine does not start? If so, we need to see if the engine lost spark or fuel. Take a look through this link first:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

The easiest way to determine if there is spark and fuel is to see if it starts using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it's likely a fuel-related issue. If it makes no difference, it's likely ignition-related.

Also, we should pressure test the cooling system just to make sure it can hold pressure or we have a leak somewhere, either internal or external.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

If possible, record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. That may help.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe

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Monday, September 6th, 2021 AT 7:34 PM