Truck dies in park and doesn't start


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Truck dies in park and doesn't start

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Pope94IA
New User

Jan 7, 2013, 7:55 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1711 views)

Truck dies in park and doesn't start	Sign In

I have a 01 dodge 1500 slt 4x4 It has a 318 5.2L with 165000 miles.

Last night I was driving on a level B road (which wasn't that bad considering the snow) and I was headed to pull a friend out. As I approach his vehicle, my pickup just shuts off (in drive). I put it in park and try to start it again. It doesn't start. After letting it sit for about 5 minutes, it starts up and runs in any gear except park. As soon as you slip it into park it shuts off. After trying this off and on a few times it finally doesn't start. My father comes to tow me home. He jolts on the truck a bit with the chains and while its in nuetral. I try starting it and it starts. I drive it home and back it into the shed where I slip it into park and it dies. I wouldn't think it would be the starter because it still starts every once in awhile and a bad starter shouldn't cause the truck to die. There is juice coming from the battery. New oil chance. Plenty of gas. Not overheating.

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 7, 2013, 10:19 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1659 views)

Re: Truck dies in park and doesn't start	Sign In

Sounds like a problem with the transmission range sensor. It's mounted at the shift rod at the transmission.

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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.

ron79
Novice

Jan 8, 2013, 6:58 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1618 views)

Re: Truck dies in park and doesn't start	Sign In

sounds to me like a regular tune up is needed.
The reason it dies in park is the idle drops lower in park.
If your truck is tuned up already i would suggest checking idle air control valve, clean throttle body, Clean Mass air flow sensor and replace PCV valve if needed.
Do you have any engine lights on.

(This post was edited by ron79 on Jan 8, 2013, 6:59 PM)

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 8, 2013, 7:10 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1612 views)

Re: Truck dies in park and doesn't start	Sign In

The posted stated the car ran completely normal in any gear beside Park. The RPM request is not different in neutral than Park so your theory doesn't hold water.

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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.

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