Help! dead Dodge

[3rdGenOz]

Happy New year to all.
My '98 Ram 1500 (5.9L, bone stock, 160K miles) went from running normally when the wife parked it one night to totally dead the next morning, wouldn't crank at all. With a boost, it was getting no spark at all and plugs would be dry when pulled. Checked all fuses--good. Ohmed all ignition wires and coil--OK (had just replaced wires, rotor, cap and plugs less than a month prior to the truck's death).
I was told the crankshaft position sensor talks to the computer and would cause the same symptoms, so swapped it. No luck.
I hate swapping parts! Can anyone help diagnose my problem? Thanks!

[tregan]

did you try new pick up coil

[HemiGottaLuvIt]

I'm sure you double-checked, but it never hurts to triple check. Are you sure all of your ignition wires are properly seated on the cap and plugs?

[rod mason]

Originally Posted by HemiGottaLuvIt

I'm sure you double-checked, but it never hurts to triple check. Are you sure all of your ignition wires are properly seated on the cap and plugs?

It is most likely the ECM (engine control modual) very expensive.

[mudder7879]

Try a new battery.... me an a few buddys have dodges an they have had problems similar to that an it was a bad battery...... or maybe even check all your conections for corrosion...... but i would start with the battery if you conections are clean..

[DaBigDawgND]

Okay here are the 3 problems that I have heard of for this to be happening.
1. Distributor
2. Fuel Pump
3. Crankshaft Sensor

Which one is it? I have the 1997 SLT Laramie edition, ext cab, 5.9 V8. Ran great last night and yesterday. Today I get in it and it cranks over no problem. No fire. I dont feel like putting thousands into this truck to figure it all out.

Just another point that I need to make is the Dodge dealership service department told me today that in 12 years of business they have never had to order or replace the crankshaft sensor. I was also told that it is the fuel pump @ $254.00 plus labor to put it in. Not sure what to do from here. Any suggestions?

[BleedDodge]

Clogged catalytic converter.

[HemiGottaLuvIt]

Your Ram unfortunately has a 'lifetime' fuel filter piggybacked with the fuel-pump that sits in the tank. Your fuel pump could be toast. Or, more than likely, after 160k your filter may need replacement. What's your fuel pressure at the injector rails? I don't know for sure, but perhaps the computer disables the ignition module (i.e. no spark) when fuel pressure isn't at spec.

~DaBigDawg, put that pump in yourself and keep your truck rolling along. Think about it - $254 is a far cry from "thousands".

[DaBigDawgND]

Hey all just a word of thanx. Got the fuel pump done and she is running better than ever.


"Either Mopar or no car is my motto!"

[BillNeugent]

Whenever you checked the fuses did you just look at them or did you take the cover off the top and inspect them. I had a similar problem. Drove the truck to work ran just fine. Got in to go home nothing. Engine turned over but the truck would not crank. Pulled the fuses "in the power center" looked fine. Still wouldn't crank. My dad pulled them, then took the tops off and found one of them had burnt. I just squeezed the two back together and it ran.