I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton with the cummins diesel that will not start up.?

Question

I have had technitians look and change just about everything, lift pump, fuel lines, and a few other things. They say it's fixed, but the next morning I have the same problem. It will sometimes start if I park it on a tilt or up hill. Any suggestions???

Answer 1

Is the Fuel Filter less then 10 Months Old? Get a Fuel Pressure Reading at the Fuel Pump & Injector Pump! Check the Injector Solenoids, Loose Contacts! Air Filter Clean? Turbo Working Properly? Wast Gate Vacuum line and Dump Door Closed? Loose or Disconnected Air Lines Before or After Inter-Cooler? Glow Plug System Working Properly? Key on, Glow Plug System Activated for 3 to 5 Seconds, Glow Plug Light off then Engine Cranked? If System Light Not off you Can and Will Burn Out the Glow Plugs!

Answer 2

sounds like there might be air trapped in the fuel delivery system, you can try to bleed this with a friend or by yourself in a pinch.

spend the 20 bucks at your local auto parts store for chiltons manual. find the fuel rail bleeder and using a small screwdriver with the ignition off press the center (it will look a tire valve on steroids). listen for any hissing without the accompanying diesel fuel, should this occur it will be an indication there is air buildup in the lines and this will most likely be your cause. the next step will be easier with a helper because you want to man the screwdriver with the ignition on and the fuel system pressurized this will make more of a mess because you need to ensure all the air is bled from the system otherwise your problem will continue.

you will need a screwdriver, a few shop rags a pair of safety glasses (the fuel system is pressurized to about 60 psi).

have your helper turn on the ignition and listen under the hood for the clicking of the fuel solenoids, once this stops use the screwdriver to slowly let air out of the system, use the rags to surround the valve so fuel doesn't spray all over and bleed and stop. do this several times until you are satisfied that no more air is coming out with the fuel.

after you are finished clean up the spilled diesel by sprinkling baking soda all around to neutralize the diesel so that you minimize the possibility of the smell entering the cabin while you drive.

once you are satisfied that you have performed the job with no problems head over the local car wash and degrease the engine. a dirty, greasy engine runs hotter than it needs to. also if you clean off the grease it will be easier to spot other problems as they crop up.

Answer 3

First of all, there is no bleeder valve on a 2003 cummins diesel. Your best bet is to find a good qualified 5 star dodge dealer to take a look and use there specialized equipment to figure it out. These trucks have been having alot of fuel related no start problems. Get a good mechanic.....

Answer 4

i would bet teh injector connector tubes are loose. they expand when teh engine is hot, it cools down and the contract, causing an internal fuel leak in the return channel of the head. DO NOT BY ANY MEANS EVER TRY TO LOOSEN ANY LINE WHILE THIS ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE FUEL WILL CUT STRAIGHT INTO YOU AND YOU WILL NOT LIVE THROUGH THE AMBULANCE RIDE TO THE HOSPITAL. this is not a joke. the system is self bleeding because the injectors are electrical. you should take it back to whoever did the work and have them check the connector tubes. email me if you think you can try it yourself.

Answer 5

You have payed to have it fixed take it back>>Everything is computer ran is there a code turn key switch on off 3 times leave on don't start will tell you if there a code by mileage read out>

Answer 6

if it starts and it on a hill i would say you have pump problems with it,sounds like you need to find better mechanics to work on it also,good luck.