[Lee Salazar]

Hey yall so I have a stock 2003 ram 3500 with the 5.9L. I'm having an issue where my truck will randomly not want to start. I go in, wait for the coils to heat up then start it like normal. Sometimes I will start it and after 30 seconds it will die and not want to start. I willgo to crank it and it will turn on but not stay on. The problem seems to go away if I disconnect the batteries long enough and then after that the engine will stay in on and I can go about my way. I was wondering if any one has had the same problem and if so is there a solution?

 

[dhoagland]

I had a failing lift pump that would randomly not start, and just like yours once it got going all was good...
About a week later it completely died...
>
>
I also had a bad injector (leaking internally) that did that, but only for a short time. Then it turned into an excessive cranking complaint...

 

[Lee Salazar]

But would your problem be resolved after disconnecting the batteries? I'm wondering if it's a computer problem and its glitching the timing.

 

[Lee Salazar]

You mentioned the lift pump, and well ive been doing alot of research, ive read that it at roughly 210k miles they start going bad, my question is, when they do, is it suppose to throw a code? Because mine doesn't and the engine has 219k miles.

 

[dhoagland]

My lift pump issue was never tied to battery disconnect, my assumption is yours is Coincidental.

Do you have a scanner?
If its a computer issue it SHOULD throw a code. Mine had a bad IAT sensor that did not throw a code, I found it while scanning for a different issue. So no codes present doesn't always eliminate electrical issues.

As far as I know lift pump will not throw a code (mine never did).
You can open the bleeder on the fuel filter and bump the starter, see if it is flowing fuel (I believe it should flow for 15 seconds then stop, if you turn the key off and then bump the starter leaving the key in the run position it should cycle again).

The best method (in my opinion) is installing a pressure gauge in the inlet of you high pressure pump.
If this picture loads correctly it shows the adaptor installed in the top of the pump and a pressure hose installed on it.

 

[rghavana]

Simple things first,
check for codes ?? ECM controls fuel.
key off, key on, 3 times in 5 seconds leave on, codes should show in odometer
any smoke??
change/check fuel filter lately??

 

[ssteve]

Have your batteries tested and let us know.