Help please!!

Asked by ddevil Jan 06, 2012 at 05:56 PM about the 1987 Dodge RAM Van

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Ok guy's, I have an 1987 dodge ram van sportsman it has the standard 318 auto. I have had to replace the ignition starter switch twice, both times the van was starting fine then just stopped getting spark and this fixed it, now it is doing the same thing except I get one spark from coil when I turn key to start and one when releasing from start position. so I put a new switch on it , after new coil voltage reg and such, started right up.let it warm up turned off and restarted several times, no problem. whent out 30 minutes ltr, same thing one spark when engaging starter one when turning key back off. I would scrap the thing but it was my dads ( god rest him) fishing truck and want to make a fishing camper deal for myself. so if anyone can help I sure would appreaciate it, thanks

2 Answers
735

Graeme answered 12 years ago

have you replaced your ballast resistor, sometimes they get hot and fail eg you drive it for a half hour and the engine just stalls, now to start the engine your ingnition system bypasses the ballast resistor, and that can be why you get spark only when turning the key, a ballast resistor is simple to change and only about $15. Next time it acts up, pull the 2 plugs off the resistor and put them together and try to start it again, if it starts then replace the resistor,BUT DO NOT RUN IT FOR LONG WITHOUT THE RESISTOR.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Help please!! 2 Answers

    Ok guy's, I have an 1987 dodge ram van sportsman it has the standard 318 auto. I have had to replace the ignition starter switch twice, both times the van was starting fine then just stopped getting s...

    1987 Dodge RAM Van

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Engine swap custom app help 98 ram van 1 Answer

    I acquired a 4.7 with Trans and transfer and company. My 3.9 3 spd overheated and I believe blown please help with fitment or any knowledge and thoughts on custom applications alike. Thanks Dave

    1998 Dodge RAM Van 1500 Cargo RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1984 Dodge ram VAN 250 proportioning valve. HELP! 3 Answers

    am having no luck trying to find a proportioning valve for my 1984 Dodge 250 VAN. I do not know how to determine if it is a B 1,2 or3 body but am told this is pertinent to correct part. This is an ext...

    1984 Dodge RAM Van

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • help 3 Answers

    i have a 1985 dodge van we replaced the altanator and checked the starter but it still wont startall it does is click

    1985 Dodge RAM Van

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • help 2 Answers

    wont start with key but if I use a screwdriver underneath anf jump the wires it will start any ideas what I can do ???????

    1996 Dodge RAM Van 2500 Cargo RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Dodge RAM Van Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    sparkzz
    Reputation
    530
  • #2
    ChrisbVan
    Reputation
    480
  • #3
    Larry Thibert
    Reputation
    350
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Transit Cargo
25 Great Deals out of 1,094 listings starting at $9,900
Used Dodge Caravan
3 listings
Used Ford E-Series
5 Great Deals out of 137 listings starting at $2,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.