Cranks but will not start

MASTER GRODA

MEMBER
2001 DODGE DURANGO
4.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
103,000 MILES

I had this problem a few months ago. Truck ran fine all morning, stopped to buy a Christmas tree. Came back and the engine cranked over but wouldn't start. After lots of advice. Disabled the security system and it has been running fine.
Yesterday. Same thing. Ran fine all morning. Went to start and it just cranked over. A young woman offered help and told me her dad was a mechanic and to put my foot on the brake, shift from park to neutral and back three times and it will start. Thought she was nuts but it freaking worked.

What would be wrong that this trick would work?

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

Hello,

This sounds like a classic fuel pump issue but to be sure can you hear the pump run in the tank without cranking the engine over (key on) here is a guide that will help us get started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Monday, May 6th, 2019 AT 4:04 PM

MASTER GRODA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks, it ran fine all week and then did it again today. Then ran fine.
Since I already disabled the security system. I'll change the fuel pump next week and see what happens. It's over 100,000 miles anyway.

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Saturday, May 11th, 2019 AT 11:46 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

It could be a crankshaft sensor as well. here is a guide and diagrams below to show you on your truck. When this sensor goes out it will not leave a code.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Monday, May 13th, 2019 AT 12:50 PM

MASTER GRODA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Ken, So I have been working on this now for a while. I replaced both the Cam and Crank Sensors. Replaced the Fuel Pump and filler pipe while I was at it.
Ran fine for a few days then it just started running rough and then would go back to Cranking without starting.
Replaced the ECM--FS1 rebuilt Plug and play matched to the VIN numbers.
Still Hard Cranking before it starts and then wont Idle.
Replaced the Idle air control valve and the Throttle position Sensor
Same problems.
The Three codes I am getting are
PO320 (Power train Ignition? Distributor speed input Circuit ) P1281 ( Power Train) and a pending fault of P1698 ( Power train)

What am I missing or is it just time to haul it to a mechanic?

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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 6:27 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

I have seen the ASD relay cause this issue which would be a cheap fix. the PCM could be going out as well. We should check the wiring from the sensors to the PCM. here is a guide to help with the engine wiring diagrams below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.

Automatic Shut Down Relay In power distribution center.

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