Archived 99' Dodge Ram won't start

[RobertLawrence]

Yesterday I went out to start my truck and all it did was crank (engine never fired). The truck was running fine when I parked it a few days earlier.



Although I was not getting any engine warning lights, I pulled to codes on the truck and found that I was getting a P0336 CKS Crankshaft Position Sensor issue. This may be left over as I recall my tach stopping completely for a few minutes while driving and then started working again.



I have to leave to go out of town for a few days this afternoon, but I want to make sure that everything that I need to check is in order when I get back on Friday as we have a camping trip planned the following weekend (need the truck to pull the 5er and Jeep).



At this point I ordered a new CPS sensor, but I am not sure if that is the issue or not. I replaced the lift pump with a new FASS system last year, but don't have a pressure gauge on the system (Yeah, I know I need one).



Do you think that the CPS issue could be causing this problem, or am I looking at a failed VP44? Suggestions on where to start diagnosing?

 

[JMetzger]

You don't happen to be getting a code 1689 are you? You mentioned that you had two codes but you didn't mention the second one.

 

[RobertLawrence]

Nope, not getting the 1689 code, just P0336.

After it would not start yesterday I towed it from my back yard (had it parked next to the barn) and put it in the garage. I tried to start it after I parked it in the garage as well with no luck.

So just a few minutes ago I went down the the garage and wanted to make sure that my fuel level was not low (shows that I have 1/2 tank), and decided to try to turn it over. What do you know, it started right up.

So now it seems like it starts and runs fine after moving it to the garage and letting it sit overnight. I am not very confident to drive it at this point as I don't want to be stranded somewhere, but I am not getting any error codes (after cleaning the P0336 it has not come back).

Any ideas why it might start working all of the sudden? It was sitting outside for a few days and it have been very warm and sunny here in Michigan over the past few days. Also it was sitting on a slight incline (very slight).

Thoughts?

 

[larryq]

Just a wild guess, but with the conditions and symptoms you describe, I offer that you have a situation where the fuel is draining back.



It's almost like the situation you get after changing the fuel filter.



Little or No fuel in the injection Pump, and your attempts at starting force the lift pump to re-prime the system.





If it were me, I'd start looking there... .



I don't remember if there is a check valve in the system... but if there is, that would be a really good place to look for issues



Good Luck!!



LarryQ

 

[RobertLawrence]

Just a wild guess, but with the conditions and symptoms you describe, I offer that you have a situation where the fuel is draining back.



It's almost like the situation you get after changing the fuel filter.



Little or No fuel in the injection Pump, and your attempts at starting force the lift pump to re-prime the system.





If it were me, I'd start looking there... .



I don't remember if there is a check valve in the system... but if there is, that would be a really good place to look for issues



Good Luck!!



LarryQ

Thanks LarryQ.



When it was not starting yesterday, it felt exactly like when I change the fuel filter and it just won't start. I don't know of a check valve in the system, but if there is one then that could defiantly be part of the problem.

 

[Sticks]

Typically any time fuel bleeds back is due to air getting into the system. Fuel filter lid not fully sealed/water drain valve, quick connect lines (O-rings) on both the inlet at the LP and the return behind the head failed, or loose banjo fittings.

There is a check valve/pressure relief valve on the return side of the VP. Built into the Banjo bolt.

The fact that you got a CPS code, may indicate that you have an intermittent problem there. Check you connections.