Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Truck not starting and dies.

[Trusty Steed]

The past couple days my Dodge has been acting odd when you first start her after siting for a while. You turn the key, and all the lights come on, but nothing happens. You can then imediately turn the key and it will fire right up. Then once she is started, and you give it some throttle, it dies. It will again start right up.



Today it did this no start, die upon throttle, then I tried to start and had the same lights on the dash with not crank or click, or anything. It then imediately started and acted fine.



Please not another mystery machine!



I am assumeing it may be computer related, but can someone give me some direction on what might be happening?



Thanks

Jay

 

[DSiemens]

It might be the relay which controls the fuel solenoid or the solenoid. Could also be the blue power wire. A search will give lots of reading.

 

[Joe G.]

There is an ignition switch recall. I don't know if it applies to your '97, but I would check with Dodge if I were you. There is no computer involved with the engine running or starting for a 12 valve Cummins. It's something electical and sounds like the ignition switch.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I'll have to agree with Joe ignition switch or ignition switch connector.

Even thought it is possible to have two problems going on. So check ignition switch/components, fuel shut off solenoid/components, check out your starter solenoid contact points this would be a similar symptom as an ignition switch failure. (and of course related components)

 

[Trusty Steed]

Thanks fellas



It did it again the day before yesterday. One click, and then nothing else. Seemed like it must be the contact points. Did not do it the rest of the day, and probably started it 35 times. Did not do it yesterday either. Funny how it never has done it once the truck has been warmed up. I will check stuff out more this weekend, the rain will give me some time.



Thanks again

Jay

 

[Missouri Mule]

Trusty Steed,

Was wondering how your idle is. It just came to me (well kind of) yur idle may to be low that is why it dies when you give it some throttle. (You stated that it was warm everything worked OK. Low idle speed will cause engine stall when cold. )

But igniton switch(once again) and maybe engine speed sesnor could cause the dying out. (cop out)

 

[Trusty Steed]

Missouri Mule



When I had my trans done, it seems to me Dave thought my idle a bit low, so you may be on to something. I have not had the start problem the past few days, I need to check into the contacts, and or switch. Have not had much time of late.



Thanks for your help.

Jay