Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel shutoff solenoid problems

[dseabaugh]

Haven't posted in 3 years but here it goes. I am having problems with the fuel shutoff solenoid in my truck. original lasted 9 years and 115,000 miles. boot rotted off and the inside didn't look to great. Put on a new one Oct 5th '07, and last week it started giving me problems. Put a new one on again ( stills says made in china) but they warranted the old one. I can turn on switch and lift up on the rod and it will open so I can start it. I checked with dealer ( always been a joke) and they told me to replace the relay for fuel in the box behind the battery, so I rotated those around since they all had the same part number. same thing. worse on cold days. parts guy says the solenoid relay is in start circuit but parts guy and shop manager don't know where exactly it is located. For $65 an hour they will find it though. Found 2 relays together at top of firewall next to rubber gasket , but when parts guy looked up the number it called them "special relays" whatever they are for. Fuel shutoff relay was $85. 00 but they would have to order one to see what it looks like. when I turn the key to 'on' I have juice at the plug. seems like it needs some extra juice in the crank mode to suck it up maybe?? Money is an issue so I need to keep the cost down. My wife is dying plus I got my own terminal diagnosis Nov. 2nd and med bills are running $350K per year now. Thanks for ANY suggestions

 

[Joe G.]

First of all get your truck away from that dealer before they break something expensive. Email me at -- email address removed -- for my 12 valve fuel system write up, how it works and how to fix it. I have added a section to it about the fuel solenoid. The fix may be free or it may cost you only $10 for the proper relay.

 

[vaicase]

hey man just dont screw with that dodge elecronics. just put a push pull cable on it. problem solved. get it at a truck parts store. i hate messing with electric stuff. if you have a stickshift you can pull or push it,however you have to make sure the sylinoid is engaged. if its bad your screwed unless you go under the hood and move itOo. . what a pain. thanks

 

[RStankevitz]

mine did same thing it was the relay on the firewall dealer wouldnt sell me relay wanted 600 bucks for solenoid diesel shop ordered relay cost 85 bucks hasnt bothered for 4 months

 

[Fordiesel69]

Sorry to hear about you and your wife, hope all goes well for you two, med bills can get rediculous. I have found that the big relay on the firewall can be picky. The current that goes thru it must be excessive. I would see if you can unplug the relay, and very very carfully using an eye glass screw driver, pry it open and file the contacts. Possibly even spray the contacts with QD electronic cleaner avail at auto zone. A plain white business card will work well for the contact if they are not burned up. If they are the relay must be replaced or a cable installed.

 

[Joe G.]

You can get the proper relay here for less than $10: http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/Pr...N=R51-1D70-12&R=235-0510&sid=47422380327A617F



It's only about $13 at a local electronics store here in Eureka. You need a normal automotive relay rated for 70 amps.

 

[dseabaugh]

thanks for the help. I've got the $10. relay on order from allied. Turns out it is the same one that parts guy looked up when I gave him the part number on the top to be a 'special relay'. The dealer wanted over $80. 00 for the fuel shutoff relay. thanks for your good wishes. I am afraid it is about too late for my wife after 5 years of Drs. we found out they miss diagnosed her all along and now it is too late to help her . after each Dr. visit I just hope she makes it long enough to make the next one next month. I can make it a few more years I hope , just not what we had planned for and not even 50 yrs old yet ( JAN) . After a year of seeing her laying in bed in the shape she is in everyday, i can at least leave the house to go to work without crying now. I guess you finally get used to it. Thanks guys.