Engine Just Quit Running

Leroy · 06-27-2009, 07:58 PM

'97 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L... I was driving down the road and the darn thing just died. Lucky I was pulling into a gas station. Couldn't get it to start, checked the fuel pump and it is pumping good. The tow truck driver said it could be the crank shaft position sensor. All plugs, wires, dist. cap, rotor have been replaced in the last 6 months.

FaselZ71 · 06-27-2009, 08:07 PM

First thing I'd do is get the egine codes and start from there... Crank sensor is plausible however that's just a quick assumsion I'm sure from a tow truck driver trying to sound smart... However I'm sure the engine codes with tell you what's wrong if it's possible they scan for free at Autozone and Advance auto parts. If it's not possible then I'm affraid your in a game of cat and mouse chasing problems... Could be as simple as a sensor or as complex as the computer. If you had a OBD1 get codes would be simple unfortunalty you have OBDII so it's not that easy. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.

z07 · 06-27-2009, 08:10 PM

If you have spark but the injectors are not pulsing then the crank position sensor is a good place to look.

It is mounted to the top driver side of the bellhousing and you will need nible hands or a sciencefair project of swivels to reach it from underneith and below the trans.

If you backprobe it with the key on engine off you should find one wire with 5 volts one wire is ground and the other wire has nothing. Move the volt meter to the ground and nothing wire and watch your analog meter as someone cranks the motor. The needle should swing from 0 to 5 as the engine turns. If it doesn't then there's your problem.

You can reach the electrical connection for the CPS easy from the top driver side.

stumpuller454 · 06-27-2009, 10:02 PM

check all your grounds too, i remember chasing one down for months, darn truck would only die on rough roads, but fire back up, was a ground on the firewall if i recall correctly....

Leroy · 07-17-2009, 03:11 PM

Changed crank position sensor, (what a pain that was) still wouldn't start. Replaced the coil.
Problem solved.
Lesson learned; don't listen to the tow truck driver!

06-27-2009, 07:58 PM	#1
Leroy Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Engine Just Quit Running '97 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L... I was driving down the road and the darn thing just died. Lucky I was pulling into a gas station. Couldn't get it to start, checked the fuel pump and it is pumping good. The tow truck driver said it could be the crank shaft position sensor. All plugs, wires, dist. cap, rotor have been replaced in the last 6 months.

06-27-2009, 08:07 PM	#2
FaselZ71 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 1,177	First thing I'd do is get the egine codes and start from there... Crank sensor is plausible however that's just a quick assumsion I'm sure from a tow truck driver trying to sound smart... However I'm sure the engine codes with tell you what's wrong if it's possible they scan for free at Autozone and Advance auto parts. If it's not possible then I'm affraid your in a game of cat and mouse chasing problems... Could be as simple as a sensor or as complex as the computer. If you had a OBD1 get codes would be simple unfortunalty you have OBDII so it's not that easy. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help. __________________ IT'S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8MDNFaGfT4

06-27-2009, 10:02 PM	#4
stumpuller454 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Grande Prairie, AB Posts: 2,043	check all your grounds too, i remember chasing one down for months, darn truck would only die on rough roads, but fire back up, was a ground on the firewall if i recall correctly.... __________________ SUPERCHARGED 454 K2500 GMC! 450hp and 600ft/lbs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ27RJHfJKE "sailing with Captain Morgan often!"

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06-27-2009, 08:10 PM	#3
z07 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 391	If you have spark but the injectors are not pulsing then the crank position sensor is a good place to look. It is mounted to the top driver side of the bellhousing and you will need nible hands or a sciencefair project of swivels to reach it from underneith and below the trans. If you backprobe it with the key on engine off you should find one wire with 5 volts one wire is ground and the other wire has nothing. Move the volt meter to the ground and nothing wire and watch your analog meter as someone cranks the motor. The needle should swing from 0 to 5 as the engine turns. If it doesn't then there's your problem. You can reach the electrical connection for the CPS easy from the top driver side.

07-17-2009, 03:11 PM	#5
Leroy Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Changed crank position sensor, (what a pain that was) still wouldn't start. Replaced the coil. Problem solved. Lesson learned; don't listen to the tow truck driver!