1996 Ram 3500, 2wd, manual trans. Well cared for with regular service and recent fuel filter change. It starts but then dies. When it dies, there's a big puff of black smoke. After some checking, I found the fuel shutoff solenoid would not stay in the 'up' position with the key in the 'run' position. I lifted the solenoid up and it started and ran fine. So, a couple questions:
-Can I wire the solenoid in the 'up' position to drive it temporarily?
-Should the relay be changed along with the solenoid?
You could wire it up and run it until the tank is empty. It is a PITA to do it for long though, especially for short trips. The relay is what gives it the power to pull up, nothing wrong with it. Check the # 9 fuse. A good place to start when you get these common problems.
There used to be a diagram too, but thanks to Photoshop it isn't any good. I'm sure a little googling or opening the factory service manual could get you one.
GAmes: thanks. I'd looked through all the stuff on the Search feature of the forum.
Here's what the problem was: The factory rubber boot had deteriorated into a gooey blob and was stuck around the plunger piston/spring. I took it all apart, cleaned it, reassembled it w/o a boot and it works fine. Will source a boot tomorrow and reinstall it.
It also runs a lot better...the solenoid likely wasn't opening all the way, at times.
I've skipped the boot and monitor the beast...the boot creates problems with install and the last one (first one) I bought was so thin, it tore upon install...It's easier to keep it clean and take it out once in awhile to "freshen up"...
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