Sometimes it will start up and run fine for several days, then it suddenly wont start?

DALLALLASSTARSFAN1955

MEMBER
1992 DODGE RAM
V8
175,000 MILES

I have a 1992 dodge ram 1500, v8 auto. My problem is that sometimes it will start up and run fine for several days, then it suddenly wont start.I can wait generally 2 to 3 days before trying again and it will fire up like normal. Sometimes it will suddenly die while driving, and i've noticed when this happens all of the lights and gauges flicker right before it dies. Also it seems to be draining the battery even when its parked. I've looked for exposed wires thinking it might be shorting out but haven't found any. Basically I'm stumped. Any suggestion would be very much appreciated.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,716 POSTS

Hi,

If you have a battery draw, chances are there is an issue somewhere in the circuits causing both problems.

There are two ways we can approach this. First, when it doesn't start, check to see if it will start a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know there is a fuel issue. If there is no change, then suspect an ignition issue. If that is the case, I need you to check if there is spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If you do this, let me know what you find.

Or we can try to determine where the electrical draw is coming from to determine if it is related. Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Let me know. One last thought. This vehicle has an OBD1 system. You don't need a scan tool to retrieve codes. Take a look through this link and see if there are any codes stored. It's really easy to do on this vehicle. All you need is the ignition key. LOL

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

Let me know.

Joe