Truck won't start!!!

[CIverson]

So for the past month and a half I have been having an issue with my truck not starting, about 4 times in the past month. Every other time I have waited 2 minutes and it has started.



Well tonight it did not start after waiting. It is dead. I thought injectors and have read about using ether to get it to start and build pressure and it should keep running. That didn't happen either.



Only codes are crank sensor (I have an old tst), a fan code, and an exhaust brake code. I have had them for the past week.



I'm lost? Any suggestions. Not sure if I should take it to a diesel shop or the *******.

 

[icman95]

If it's not electrical/computer then perhaps an air leak in the fuel system?

 

[Bob4x4]

Fix the crank sensor code first... ... ... .

 

[AllianceDiesel]

pull the tst, or put the jumper in and try it again, you can use ether, I have used it many times to figure out if you had a weak injector or not.

 

[CIverson]

Fix the crank sensor code first... ... ... .

I've had a constant crank code for years w/o issue. Although that doesn't mean it hasn't gone bad. What I do question is why it would be an issue with starting, as the DRM states it is used primarily for when the engine is running, and the cam sensor is used when starting. You could still be right, but I'm curious.



I'm going to check the FCA tomorrow, since I had one coming anyway.

 

[CIverson]

pull the tst, or put the jumper in and try it again, you can use ether, I have used it many times to figure out if you had a weak injector or not.

I wish I had the jumper, it is hard to pull the harness in the work parking lot with temps in the 20's. I am considering it though.

 

[CIverson]

Got to work this morning, put in the key and gave it a try, started right up . While I"m happy it started, I'm still confused as to what the issue is.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

im not a big fan of tst's they do weird stuff like this, all three of the ones that my buddies are running all have done stuff like this, or won't let the truck shut off when there isn't even a turbo timer.

 

[CIverson]

im not a big fan of tst's they do weird stuff like this, all three of the ones that my buddies are running all have done stuff like this, or won't let the truck shut off when there isn't even a turbo timer.

I've had this one since 2004 w/o issue except for the crank code. Maybe I will try taking it off for awhile.



I've been starting the truck every 2 hours and letting it idle, all good so far.

 

[CIverson]

Another update. Kept starting every few hours at work. It didn't start one time, but did a few minutes later. Got close to leaving time, and no start.



Time to go... . no start. Thank god I have a great boss and we have a company car. Got to take the little beetle home.



I got my new FCA in the mail, figured I'd go back and put in to see what happens.



Got there, and it started Decided to drive it home so I can work in the garage, made it home. Noticed the crank sensor was covered in grime. Don't know if it will make a difference but cleaned it anyway.



Changed the FCA, not quickly due to a stripped bolt head. Also unhooked the TST. Will see what happens now.



BTW: The truck runs kinda funny w/ the FCA unplugged sounds a little ratty.

 

[Bob4x4]

.





BTW: The truck runs kinda funny w/ the FCA unplugged sounds a little ratty.

Not something you want to do,the injection pump is putting out max pressure



Bob

 

[AllianceDiesel]

yep injection pump is maxed out with cp3 unplugged

 

[CIverson]

Not something you want to do,the injection pump is putting out max pressure



Bob

Yes, I quickly realized and corrected my mistake, what is max BTW?

 

[JJPage]

I believe 26/27k is the max the sensor will read, but the pump pressure can spike above that.

 

[CIverson]

So far so good today. I am getting long cranking times though.



I'm going to try to keep this thread updated. I have read too many where the end result is never posted.

 

[HOBrian]

I'm going to try to keep this thread updated. I have read too many where the end result is never posted.

Thank you...

 

[CIverson]

FOUND THE PROBLEM!!!



Truck has been running excellent since I did those few things. I even had confidence enough to run over to the next town and shut it down while we went to eat. Although I still hold my breath a little wile it is cranking ( it is only 2-3 sec, sounds like 10-12 revolutions, but it seems like forever).



So I decide I'm tired of going slow... ... ... . I took all the looming off of the tst and inspected the wires, re-loomed and re-taped the harness. Installed it all and suprise suprise... ... no start. Took it ALL back off. Fires right up.



Time to call TST and send it in, unsure if I want stay w/ tst or go w/ a smarty. I do love the EGT pullback on the tst though, and that my version adds no pressure.

 

[JBallou]

Go with the smarty JR, no pressure and awesome low EGT's. I hate aftermarket wiring! When I go to diagnose wiring type issues the #1 culprit has been non factory wiring. I hate it.

Nice follow thru!!!

 

[CIverson]

Go with the smarty JR, no pressure and awesome low EGT's. I hate aftermarket wiring! When I go to diagnose wiring type issues the #1 culprit has been non factory wiring. I hate it.



Nice follow thru!!!

I did some research and it seems like w/ the new revo software I can turn off the pressure. I still need to get a boost and egt, as those were integral w/ the TST.

 

[RBROOKS]

i had starting problems with an 03 3500, had it 3 dodge dealers in three states, kenei ak, wilsonville or. where i bought it and payson az. the first two found a number of things that they could charge me for but didnt fix the thing, in payson on the second time through the shop the found three bad injectors and after changing them the problem was solved and they did the whole thing on waranty at 80k, the others hooked me for a little over 1200$, by the way mine would start fine on either and start normally the rest of the day but after sitting all night, get out the either can, after all the trouble, i happened to be talking to a cummins tek that works at cummins nw in portland or and he said i should have taken it to a cummins shop where they actualy have cummins mechanics and they will waranty the work, they build them, has anyone actualy done this? i now have an 08 5500 and dont have many miles on it but if i do have trouble it would begood to know