Archived 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW 5.9L Auto Trans

[RandyPatterson]

I'm driving, it hesitates and stalls. Towed it home and changed the fuel filter. Filled the filter container with fresh diesel. Should I hear a pump priming the fuel filter when I turn the key on? Truck only has about 55,000 miles on it. Motor will not start but does turn over. I'm new at this, what's next?

 

[Bob4x4]

Sounds like your fuel pump is dead

Disconnect the line that runs from the fuel filter to the injection pump, put it IMO a container then bump the key



It should have a good steady flow if not,it's pump time

 

[HHhuntitall]

Well, look and see where the pump is... there is an update to the '03 year trucks that moves the fuel pump to the fuel tank. Bump the key like you're going to start it, but don't, and leave it on. Then get out and listen for the pump. Sometimes, if there's fuel pressure, the pump won't run when you initially turn the key on. But it will cycle and run 10-20 seconds if you bump the key to start. Three to four cycles of that is how you prime the fuel filter housing after a filter change... ... The '03-04 trucks were notorious for lift pump failures, which is on the back of the fuel filter canister, unless moved internally to the fuel tank with the update.....

 

[Mark31]

My 04 lift pump fainted under warranty and was replaced with the in tank pump. If it is the pump, you have a few options. 1. Replace the pump with what you already have. Dodge doesn't sell them, but they can be purchased from Geno's. I don't think too much of this option. 2. The Dodge in tank replacement. 3. Fass and maybe others with an "indirect" replacement pump. 4. Fass and Glacier systems with more fuel filters/water separation. Maybe the moderator will move this to the 3rd generation engine/transmission forum to get more views and replies from some of the "brains" that will help you figure out what you want/need to do. Welcome, Randy!

 

[bighammer]

Sounds exactly like what happened to mine just a couple months ago. Driving thru town it stumbled a bit then stalled about a block later. No pump sounds and plenty of fuel in the tank, I knew right away what it was. I ended up changing my pump on the side of the road in the rain. (that was quickly turning to snow )

I used the Carter replacement and it was a pretty easy job. Most of it was by feel because of its location on the back of the filter housing, (can't see) but even still, it was less than an hour.

Even though I was pretty well soaked, cold, and stinking of fuel, it was a great sound/feeling to hear the truck fire up again. Oo.