Dodge Hemi Mechanical and Elect. question.

[Kellywk]

I've got a 2005 Dodge Ram Hemi that drove fine until it wouldn't crank the other morning.

would turn over but wouldn't catch, thought it was the fuel pump or maybe a relay but when I got home that night it cranked right up.

Next morning it was back to acting up again. It will catch for just a moment and then die after a second or so. Seems it is getting some fuel and all fuses check out, so I'm guessing that it is the crank position sensor from what I can gather from google. Does this sound right or is there something else that I should look at first?

Second question is that when I went to take the crank position sensor apart, the electrical connection is frozen solid, and the little tab that pushes to the side crumbled. I'm thinking about just cutting the whole thing off and wiring in a new connector, but wanted to make sure that I'm not biting off more than I can chew. Would it really be as simple as splicing in the wiring for the new connector?

Thank you

Kelly

 

[kd3pc]

no crank is not likely a result of the position sensor...not sure what you mean by no crank, as you next say, "would turn over" and not catch.

The vehicle needs spark, fuel, air and some timing. In this case, I think you may have a battery issue. What is the voltage of the battery sitting in the car, and what voltage does it drop to as you "crank".

I would not take apart anything until you fix the immediate problem of crank/no crank

 

[kevink1955]

Post is a bit confusing, using 2 of the most confusing words in automotive history Lol

To me Crank and turn over mean the same thing = the starter engaged the flywheel and the engine Cranked or Turned Over. This does not mean it started it just rotated.

If all went well after the above the engine will have (1) Started (2) Fired briefly but did not Start (3) Started and stalled.

All combination of the above are used in various locations around the world and always manage to confuse the reader.

 

[Kellywk]

I'm not much of a mechanic so I doubt I'm using the terms correct. By crank/catch I meant the engine actually firing and starting up ready to drive.

The starter will turn and you can hear it "whirring" for lack of a better term. The engine will then sometimes turn on for a second and then die.

I thought the battery at first so I pulled it and charged it. Charged up fine

I was thinking it wasn't the fuel pump otherwise it wouldn't have started even briefly.

I'm really at a loss as to what to check next, and did some googling and saw where the crank position sensor can sometimes cause the engine not to turn on, but I'm open to any ideas or guidance on what else to check first

 

[MrSurly]

Can you hear the fuel pump run?

Perform a pressure test on the fuel rail to verify fuel pressure?

Check for diagnostic codes set?

 

[blackdak8]

sound similar to an issue I had with my son's 06 Ram. I found that if I cycle key from off to on (not start) to off about 5 times, then tried to start, it would run briefly. The key cycle would kick fuel pump on enough times to build pressure to start but pump was too weak to maintain pressure to continue to run. Replaced pump and fixed that issue.
Also I have this 06 Ram and an 04 Ram that have both been plagued with electrical issues from loose or corroded connectors going into the back of the under hood fuse block. These have cause random issues with no start, no crank, wipers cycle when unlocking doors, etc. I used to love these Rams but after dealing with the random electrical gremlins as they age, I doubt I'll by another with that same fuse box design.

 

[Kellywk]

I didnt' check fuel pressure but will try that next.

I've had a lot of electrical issues with the underhood box like blackdak8 said to the point that I won't buy another truck with that design.

 

[brianh]

Well if the crank sensor electrical connector is falling apart that should be my first suspect and it need to be fixed anyway.

 

[Maddog3355]

I would look into the fuel pressure relay. Them Chrysler products are quirky in that department. There is a guy on YouTube that sells a device that checks them.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Maddog is right. The relay is integrated in the fuse block circuit board. The proper fix is to replace the fuse block. But yes there is also a bypass.

 

[LXCam]

Crank position sensor is very common on the genIII and 99% of your description nails that. But it should be throwing a code along with it.

 

[OHMS LAW]

But really you need to look at your live data and see if your sensor is reading. Next after that check fuel pressure

 

[matt_i]

My generalized take is that if you have a bad sensor or bad wiring, you will get a SES code of some sort.

Fuel pressure has no diagnostics (at least I have never seen a sensor yet) and so its difficut to pinpoint. But a remote gage that you can see from the driver's seat will help out.

Old connectors are indeed frustrating and they are priced as if made of gold.

I would make sure any wire splices are made with heat shrink that contains glue that seals it completely. Just the generic tubing will eventually leak and cause issues in a vehicle. I like to use the Panduit BSH series.