truck has moments where it does not want to stay on

Asked by lamp Feb 19, 2023 at 02:09 AM about the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

the truck will start but every now and then will shut off after about 3 seconds.
and the only way I've found that fixes it is if I disconnect the battery and let it
sit then it will start and stay? which I think me waiting is what is fixing it.

I could only think the fuel pump but I can hear it when I turn the key
and it also doesn't shut off when its running so it has something to do with
the start up

3 Answers

38,925

You need to test things when the problem occurs , check for good ground at fuel pump , Some vehicles are particular about fuel pressure just having it won't do . Look for any obvious wiring problems/corrosion at disconnects/along frame rail . Mice can invade even a daily driver .

1 people found this helpful.
202,395

On a twenty year old truck, the first thing I'd suspect is a broken ignition switch. Everything's fine, and then it loses its electrical connection which causes the engine to die. There's likely a damaged connection that shorts out and heats up quickly. Then it takes several minutes for it to cool and restore the electrical connection.

2 people found this helpful.

Throttle body may require cleaning, throttle position sensor may need to be replaced, sit in driver seat turn ignition to on don’t start vehicle, depress accelerator slowly to the floor, release and start engine normally, check operation and idle rpm.

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