Engine cranks but will not start

PAMALA BENFANTE

MEMBER
1998 DODGE RAM
5.2L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
157,000 MILES

Two weeks ago I replaced the transmission and she ran great, a week later out of the blue it started sputtering and backfiring, it progressively got worse each day but does not have a check engine light and not throwing any codes. Around the fourth day it wouldn't start only cranks. I replaced the fuel pump today and no change. When I turn the key on none of my gages move and the fuel pump doesn't come on. I had someone check to see if it's getting gas in the lines and it is not. I'm lost I don't know what the problem. Could be can you please help me. Thank you

6 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

First thing I would check is the fuel pump relay. Here is a tutorial showing how to test a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

The fuel pump relay is located in the under hood power distribution center. I've attached the pictures below of its location on your truck and circled in red. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Thursday, March 18th, 2021 AT 3:17 AM

PAMALA BENFANTE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Danny, I checked my relay and it is fine, I'm still at a loss of what could be wrong. I'm in desperate need of some expert help please. My truck is all I have to get to work, etc. I've already spent about $1,500.00. And it still isn't running and I'm no closer to finding the problem and I cannot afford a shop. Please help me. Thanks, Pamela

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Saturday, March 20th, 2021 AT 2:31 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

When you turn the key on, The fuel pump is supposed to prime the fuel system for 3 seconds to pressurize for starting. If you have no pressure or fuel in the lines then the fuel pump is not working. Here is a wire testing tutorial:

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

I've attached a fuel pump wiring diagram below. Be sure to test all the grounds first. Having a bad ground by being loose, corroded, melted, or otherwise damaged may be causing this issue. I've cut the picture into 2 pieces so you can view larger. Keep us updated as to what you find. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Sunday, March 21st, 2021 AT 9:32 PM

PAMALA BENFANTE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you, if the relay is good where do I go from there?

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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 9:43 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,690 POSTS

This happens sometimes when the crankshaft angle sensor goes out. Here is how you can replace it. The computer can see the engine crank over so it does not turn the fuel pump on, also when this sensor goes out it will not leave a code. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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