Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard Starting

[RAMSTER21]

Hard starting is really driving me nuts. I've replaced the Fuel Shutdown Solenoid (Original was Trashed). Still tempramental on Starting, Solenoid not pulling all the way up when Key is on the On position for starting, I manually bump it up and starts fine.



Looking into replacing the Fuel Shutdown relay next.

Also I've already ordered new Starter Contact kit from LarryB's.



Thanks goes out to Piers Diesel.



Local dealer, wanted to take me to the cleaners for a new Solenoid $513, Piers has newer ones, a complete kit with all new brackets for $240. It just amazes me how ruthless Dodge Dealship's can be over their parts. Any ideas where I can get the Shutdown Relay.



I'm glad I joined TDR

 

[Joe G.]

The relay has a standard pin configuration. I believe a 30 amp Radio Shack relay will work fine. Costs about $6.



I think I would check the solenoid linkage to make sure it's not binding. The relay would not have any affect on how far it pulls. If the relay is bad it will not pull.



You can check solenoid operation by disconnecting the three wire connector. Ground the black wire and apply 12 volts to the white. The solenoid should pull up. Don't leave the 12 volts hooked up to the white wire. Just touch and see what the solenoid does.

 

[Greg W]

I have a 95 that twice was hard starting. The first time it was because of the leaky rubber fuel return line going to the tank. I could only detect the faintest smell of diesel and there were no leaks just a totally rotten hose.



The second time was the fuel shut off solenoid-to I thought! I changed the solenoid and relays and it still would not pull up unless I manually pulled it-then it would stay there. The problem was the connection from the red or blue (I can't remember which one) fuse link at the battery. The connections looked fine but the acid had rotted the wire under the insulation or the heat shrink tubing. I put new ends on all of my fuse links and cleaned all connections at the battery and I have not had any more problems since. It was probably a good thing that I replaced the solenoid because after 150 k miles the rubber boot was all but gone and starting to corrode the solenoid.

Good Luck... . It is a good starting place and a lot cheaper than a solenoid.

 

[RAMSTER21]

I'll pass on what happens, when I get my new parts in.

Ordered from Carparts.com

 

[RAMSTER21]

Whoopie

And the people rejoiced!



It's was a combination of the Shutdown Relay & Solenoid.



Still going to beef up my starter with new Contact (SuperContacts), local starter company calls them starters on steriods.