Not starting

1997 DODGE RAM
21,300 MILES • 5.9L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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THOMAS HEINZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Replaced crank sensor still won’t start
Sep 26, 2026 at 4:13 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,377 POSTS
There's a whole lot more to starting than one part. Please provide some details, history, related symptoms, or something to go on. Have you checked for spark? Did the truck run out of gas? Have you checked for diagnostic fault codes? If you don't know how to do that, let me know and I'll describe the procedure for you. Do you know how to check the operation of the automatic shutdown relay? If you don't know how, I can help with that, but you'll need a test light, and possibly a helper to turn the ignition switch.

Let me know what you've done so far, and the results of any tests, then we'll figure out where to go next.
Sep 27, 2026 at 3:59 AM
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THOMAS HEINZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
There is no fault codes present it did this a year ago couldn’t get it running for weeks then it just started running again been have issues with tps for two weeks now then driving home it just started sputtering then shut off had no spark so changed coil and crank sensor still nothing was thinking of asd also how do I cheek that or by pass
Sep 27, 2026 at 5:36 AM
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MECHTRIX
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 494 POSTS
Do not bypass anything.. this could just be loos dirty corroded ground wire specifically the grounding circuit for the asd relay ...its controlled/ switched on and off by the PCM.. a grounding circuit insid the PCM.
might be a grouning issue from the PCM to the ASD hence the jumpy behavior cutting in and out when driving it not starting and you mentioned it wouldnt start for a while then ran one day it started but died again and now no spark these are all signs of a bad ground to the ASD it might not be being turn on/off by the PCM CONSITANTLY DUE TO BAND GROUNDING ...so yeah id check there first at the pcm and at the Asd first ...but whatever you do absolutely do not bypass anything..its always best to try and restore it back to original configuration first and formost...keep it simple check for grounding issues first 7 out of 10 time its there...best of luck
Sep 27, 2026 at 7:05 AM
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THOMAS HEINZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
What pins do I need to check at add relay and pcm
Sep 27, 2026 at 7:16 AM
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MECHTRIX
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 494 POSTS
Here places ti check for bad grounds that ar directly related to the grounding of the pcam
1..the ground strap from batery to cylindr head also has pcm ground wires bolted ther together
2..phisical grounding strap from eng block to firewall sheetmetal
3...the power control modual/big black fuzebox..in the engine bay
4.. at pin number 85 on the asd relay socket this is the wire from the pcm used ti turn it on .
On thing at a time right so after checking grounds if nother ther is found them you can move to power supply ..but this is the best way ti start trust me ive been here before ..meanwhile if someone sees this
Maybe someone can provide you with a isolated ground wiring diagram pcm to asd and other various points around the vehicle if its availible ...alldata maybe ? Thanks for any help . I wish you lots of luck be well"
Sep 27, 2026 at 7:39 AM
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MECHTRIX
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 494 POSTS
It acually not complicated as some would imply" but If you check theses places clean them get them tight theres a really good chance it will solve this problem so dont give up and start bypassing things that would not go well...if you do check these things without results.. we can help you get through the next steps and help you check other places if need be ok ..but please remain focused on all the grounding points first it wont be to long ..you will get there .. hope this helps let us kniw what you find thanks "
Sep 27, 2026 at 7:52 AM
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