1999 ram 3500 starting problems

darvin hartmann · Feb 8, 2014

lately when i try to start my ram it wont the first try . i turn the ignition off and try again and it kicks right off its got the cummins engine in it and ive never had that happen before allso can anyone tell me what the noise is when i turn the key on to start glowplugs sounds like a muffled bang and comes from what sounds like the left front of engine does it everytime you turn key on so im assuming its supposed to do that

michigan deere hunter · Feb 8, 2014

sounds like your fuel pump might be going bad it sounds like it is draining the fuel back and when you cycle it again it fires try cycling the key a couple times before trying to start it also the noise is the abs pump mine done it till it went bad also Cummings don't have glow plugs it has a intake heater hope this helps

darvin hartmann · Feb 8, 2014

thanks i really appreciate the info

4play · Feb 8, 2014

Like mentioned above, it seems like you are losing fuel prime and cycling the key on/off will cycle the pump to prime.

Keep in mind fuel pumps on the 24v's were known to fail. If your lucky the failure would be instant leaving you on the side of the road. Most of the time the fuel pump will start losing pressure gradually, as pressure drops around 5 PSI range or below it may still run but start starving the VP44 Injection pump. When the injection pump starves for fuel is also loses it lubrication from the diesel fuel and will wear out quickly.

MSD · Feb 9, 2014

Put a fuel pressure gauge on and see what the pressure is. Some say you need ten others five. I think I read once 3 is still ok. Zero is a definite no no. Also could be the fuel relieve valve on the pump. Looks like a Banjo bolt but they go bad and allow the fuel to flow right through without building pressure. Changing mine out tomorrow to make sure it isn't the pump before I spend $300 on a new pump. I've tried a couple of the factory replacement Carter brands but I am still having drops in pressure.

MSM · Feb 9, 2014

Check the shut off solenoid on the rear of the injection pump. the plunger gets sticky or corroded and won't open all the way. That could be what you hear when you turn the key on.Also the glow plug controller is energized by a solenoid,which will give a thunk sound when the key is turned on.

gfs · Feb 9, 2014

take off and clean and check all cable connections, buddies 96 did all these things and all he needed was a couple new cables and solved the starting, one other thing if it is losing prime check to see if there is some sludge buildup in the tank, this can contribute to slow starting

Nick m · Feb 9, 2014

Make sure you check it under load. I had one that showed good pressure idling, but as soon as you stomped on it on the road it went to 0. Ended up needing both pumps. I put a fass direct dodge replacement on mine 60000 miles ago with the new injection pump. So far no issues. Check thoroughbred diesel for parts. I got both pumps for my 01 for $1300 3 years ago from them.

MSD · Feb 9, 2014

99's wouldn't have the solenoid. This one should have the VP44 pump which is computer controlled.

T in NE · Feb 9, 2014

You should also hear a buzzing when the grid heaters are heating.

The electronics in the VP44 can also go bad and cause difficulty starting. If you need to replace it, walk away if they can't tell you whether the electronics have been replaced (or that they weren't replaced). There are some pretty crappy rebuilds that come out of the balkans that are painted flat black, those are to be avoided as well.
Is the engine cold or warm when it won't start?

1999 ram 3500 starting problems

darvin hartmann

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michigan deere hunter

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darvin hartmann

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4play

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MSD

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MSM

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gfs

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Nick m

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MSD

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T in NE

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