starting

Asked by amwrigh071 Mar 22, 2014 at 12:18 AM about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Laramie SLT Quad Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 98 Dodge Ram with a 5.9 liter magnum. When I try starting the engine it just rotates about 15 to 20 times and maybe starts. If I turn ignition off and right back on the engine starts right away. I hooked a scanner to it and there are no codes tripped and no engine light on. This is really confusing me. I know there is something wrong, but cant figure it out. Any info. would be hopfull.

2 Answers

25,265

I had this same problem with a vehicle that I owned. It turned out to be lack of fuel pressure due to kinked lines. It would start right up the second time or if the vehicle was just running, but if it just sat for a length of time, the fuel system would lose it's prime. Make sure your fuel delivery system is in check. Check filter, kinked fuel lines, and of course the fuel pump.

1 people found this helpful.
4,885

The check ball in the fuel pump is probably varnished up. The fuel then drains back to tank out of the lines. Try turning on without starting wait a couple of seconds and do it again then try to start. If it does then run some very good fuel system cleaner through. May take a couple of tanks. Be sure the ratio cleaner to gas is equal or greater to recommended amount. This is a common issue but an easy fix.

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