Archived Truck won't start

[BWilson]

I have a 97 12 valve that when I start it, it fires, and immediately dies when I let go of the starter. It seems like the fuel solenoid switch to me but I don't have the back issues of the TDR that mentioned them (issue 10 I think). Can I just apply 12 volts to the solenoid? There is nothing in the service manual about the solenoid. Any ideas?????

 

[amsoilman]

It sounds like you have a bad relay. The relay is mounted on the firewall just to the left of the engine. It is under the rubber hood seal. I bought one a few months back at the dealers for under $40. 00. Fixed the problem!





Wayne

amsoilman

 

[MidwestMotorman]

hotwire

You can unplug the fuel shutoff and apply a wire to it from the battery. You should hear it click then. The solenoid may be getting ready to go. I was able to hotwire it on my dad's truck only about three times before the soleniod finally died and would not move anymore. If you can hotwire it and it works, you may want to test the relay first, as it is a lot cheaper than the soleniod.

 

[illflem]

Easy enough to see if it the shutdown solenoid by turning the key to run and manually lifting the solenoid, it should stay up. Don't replace the expensive solenoid till you have eliminated the wires and relay, the solenoid itself rarely goes bad.

 

[BWilson]

The solenoid won't stay up. I am assuming it is this that is bad. If I hold it up, the truck runs great!!!! This means it is definitely the solenoid, right?????

 

[LarryB]

Originally posted by BWilson

This means it is definitely the solenoid, right?????

No! It just means the "Hold Open" side of the solenoid isn't doing it's job. First, unplug the three wire connection close to the solenoid. Then turn the key to the "Run" position and see if any of the three wires on the harness side have power. If any of the three have power than it probably is the solenoid. If all three are dead then it's probably the relay. I say probably because if the relay is weak it could pass a little power, enough to light a trouble light but not enough to activate the solenoide properly.



Let us know what you find.



Larry

 

[BWilson]

No power at any of the three wires. Where is the relay? I see two on the firewall.

 

[BWilson]

One more thing, I had to use the truck today so I used a zip strip to hold the solenoid up. Will this cause any damage? My Tachometer and speedometer quit working when I did this. Are they related or did I bump something else??

 

[LarryB]

Have you checked fuse #9 in the fuse panel? Running with the solenoid held closed should do no harm.



I'm at a disadvantage trying to help here because I don't have a "real" pickup to look at myself. Mine is a conversion. Maybe someone else can shed a little light.

 

[BWilson]

Number 9 fuse was bad. Replaced it, truck still won't start. Change the relay, truck still won't start. Does anyone know if there is a fusible link inthe engine compartment and where it might be?

 

[LarryB]

It just may be a bad solenoid. If there is a short in it, it could blow the #9 fuse and possibly destroy the relay. Did it blow the #9 fuse again. If so, try replacing the fuse again but with the solenoid wires disconnected. Now with the key on check for power on any of the three wires. If there is power, connect the three wire connector again. If it blows the fuse you may have a shorted solenoid.

 

[BWilson]

LarryB you were exactly correct! Thanks Oo. After replacing the fuse (again), the relay, and the solenoid I am in business! The solenoid shaft was only being held in by the rubber boot, and not very much at that!!



PS. The relay is a Dodge dealer only item and the solenoid was $200 cheaper from Cummins!!!!!



Thanks to all who replied!