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1999 Dodge Ram won't start after changing tuneup parts


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J B
New User

May 26, 2013, 11:59 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1279 views)
1999 Dodge Ram won't start after changing tuneup parts Sign In

I just changed everything that I can think of for tuneup on my 1999 Dodge Ram with 360.It was running before I started,but now that I have changed plugs,rotor,cap,wires,etc,it won't do a thing.I replaced the cam sensor-no change.I changed crank sensor-no change. Now I'm lost- need help !!!


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 26, 2013, 12:10 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1273 views)
Re: 1999 Dodge Ram won't start after changing tuneup parts Sign In

Gee, and you mean the "dartboard" diagnosis method of just throwing parts at it until something sticks didn't work? What a shock.

It's time to do some actual testing.

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on May 26, 2013, 12:11 PM)


J B
New User

Jun 1, 2013, 8:01 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1198 views)
Re: 1999 Dodge Ram won't start after changing tuneup parts Sign In

Thanks for that great response. Since it was running when I parked it to cool off,I just expected to do the typical exchanges of parts and crank it back up. When it didn't I was lost, since it was not anticipated. Guess I should get it towed somewhere that has a diagnostic machine. I'm really concerned now that the diagnosis won't be a good one. any additional thoughts ?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jun 1, 2013, 8:09 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1195 views)
Re: 1999 Dodge Ram won't start after changing tuneup parts Sign In

The machine isn't going to tell you what is wrong. Someone doing the actual testing is the only way. It may be worth checking for codes first but you won't be finished then.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 1, 2013, 1:48 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1184 views)
Re: 1999 Dodge Ram won't start after changing tuneup parts Sign In

It was running before you touched it so quite likely something you did. This could be as silly as dist cap isn't on right or rotor and they snapped. Have you even checked that? If you were just doing preventative parts tossing I'd start first at what might have been messed up. Now you can cam and crank sensors you aren't sure work on top unless you can test those with something in your tool collection.

T



MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
MarineGrunt profile image

Jun 1, 2013, 1:49 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1177 views)
Re: 1999 Dodge Ram won't start after changing tuneup parts Sign In

Some of the basic testing isn't all that difficult. If you can do a tune up you ought to be able to do the basic tests. It does get tougher for us diy the deeper we dig though. Sometimes we get lucky and it's something simple.The guys on this forum are awesome though and are great at explaining things.

As HT's post already mentions, "all crank/no start require certain functions to be able to run". So, you need to figure out if it's what dropped off. Test for spark, fuel pressure, and then compression. Once you narrow it down to what dropped off you'll have an idea of what direction to go. For example, if your fuel pressure is low, you then start looking at the fuel system. It kind of comes down to process of elimination. At least for some things it does.

Most auto part stores have free tool loaner programs. Some you have to put down a deposit for the tool and that deposit is returned to you when you return the tool. Others just allow you to check them out. My local Carquest doesn't require a deposit. Get a fuel pressure gauge, noid light, spark tester, etc. If a part's store is close by just get one at a time. If you get the equipment The mechanics here will be able to walk you through. They have saved my butt many a times!






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