Hard to start

99 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4, 5.9 gasoline V-8. Hard to start, acts like timing is wrong, starter cant turn over the engine. Then will start and run with foot on gas. New battery, new starter, recently tuned up. Unplug battery cable to reset computer. Then it will turn over and crank if you give it gas. Must keep foot on gas pedal to keep it running after it starts. I think its a sensor - but which one? TPS/CSPS/MAP?

Auto zone shows no codes. It is not an idle issue, it is a timing issue. After it finally cranks, I keep foot on gas pedal, but have found that is not always necessary. Will run forever, until I kill the engine. Kill it - it may re-crank with no problem or it may act like the starter cant turn over the engine.

FYI - I have not done anything because of this new issue. The starter was out because of the solonoid, the tune up and battery were because it was due, and a new O2 sensor was because of a code (check engine light). All these things were done months ago. This hard starting issue is brand new issue.

Hi there, I have a 97 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 with 5.9L engine and 120,000 miles. The vehicle is only driven 1-2 times per month for 20 -30 miles each time. All of a sudden the vehicle won't start without engine starting fluid. It idles rough for 1-2 minutes and then when it starts to warm up, runs fine. There is no hesitation once it is warm if I stomp the accelerator out on the road so it seems to be getting plenty of fuel. Someone at work mentioned the crank position sensor. No codes in the PCM. Also, what is the difference between the Crank position sensor and the crank angle sensor?

Thank you,
Drew McLendon

The compression check is great, the spark plugs look great (and they are new ones and new wires with new cap and rotor). If it was the timing chain, wouldnt this happen all the time? Instead - this an intermittent problem that happens usually after driving it for a while (after it has warmed Up). If it sits overnight - it will crank right up, just dont kill it unless you are ready for this issue to possibly happen.

Jack,

According to my local parts store, I have both on my 97 Dodge Ram, a crank position sensor ($39.99) and a crank angle sensor ($69.99 w/ a core charge)
They also showed me both. The angle sensor is round and and flat 3/4 inch thick and about the same diameter as the distr. The crank position sensor is about the same size as a thumb and has a mounting bracket on the base. Other than a wire harness attached, they are two separate items. Why would the Dodges have both if they are the same thing?
Also, **IF** I can get the truck started would it be beneficial to take it to the dodge dealer? Can they see a fault in these sensors without the check engine light being on?

Thanks,
Drew McLendon

My shop manual says that the timing is controlled by sensors that send a signal to the PCM. This truck would run from Texas to California as long as you dont kill it and try and start it soon after killing it. It may start right up, or it may act like a timing problem. If you un-hook the battery cable for a minute and try the starter it will crank up with the foot on gas pedal.

You do not think it is a sensor? Crankshaft or camshaft sensor?

Crank position sensor fixed mine. Just would not start sometimes, but ran okay when it did. Ran me about $150.00 for the part and to have it installed.

When I turn the key on, the fuel pump continually runs. I use to be able to let the truck sit for 20 minutes with the key on for the fuel pump to shut off before I could start it. After running for awhile, I
can turn the truck right off and then right back on with no problem. If let it sit for awhile I'm back where I started.I've noticed that when I'm able to start it the GEN light comes on and off. Lately though it has been taking longer to start all the way to draining the battery at this point I jump start it and it will usually start. When it is running it runs strong.

Parts replaced:ALT, ING switch, crank and cam sensor, Distributor, rotor, coil, IAC, starter, ASD and fuel relay and fuel regulator. Cleaned every ground I could
find. Cleaned plenum. Checked all fuses with probe.
Also tried a new battery although I had the one in the truck tested which was good.

Again the problem is with starting not with running.

Thanks, will give that a look.

Have not had time to work on it, maybe this weekend.

Will post what is found. Thanks for all your help.

Here is an update on my truck, between working two jobs and what little time I have to work on it. All the wiring seems to be okay. It's happens that the pcm was in fact the problem. I found a place on line that programs the pcm before they ship it one of those plug in and drive. Once I did, I don't think the starter made a quarter turn before the truck fired right up. It's such a great feeling.

Thank you so much for your help. Thank you thank you.