THRobinson
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2018
- Posts
- 167
- Reaction score
- 11
- Location
- Zurich, ON (Canada)
- Ram Year
- 2003
- Engine
- Hemi 5.7l
Had this problem a year now, and soon as I try to resolve it, it's gone... it'll be a major pain for 1-4 weeks, then vanishes 1-4 weeks. I try something, think it's fixed, and sure enough it's back again.
Basically, I have an '03 Ram 4x4 5.7l Hemi. I hop in, turn the key, starts up perfectly fine, runs 2 seconds and shuts off. Absolutely no smoke, stuttering, coughing, etc... it's as if I turned the key, started the key, then just turned it off again.
Dodge dealer couldn't duplicate the issue and basically said too busy to do any testing, but not too busy to suggest replacing my spark plugs for $450CAD because who knows, maybe the plugs are old. Nothing like a $450 guess. Plus can change them myself for $100.
When the truck shuts off, 1 red LED light is blinking... so I think it's a security issue, like it's not reading the key chip so after it starts it shuts itself off.
Lately, and especially last night, after a few failed attempts, it does nothing. I turn the key, all dash lights come on, and nothing. No clicking, no attempt to turn over, absolutely nothing. Which is why I doubt a fuel pump or spark plug issue. If I wait a minute and try again, it usually works. Last night, I tried 8x with out the truck doing anything and almost had to get a lift home. Waited a few minutes and tried again, and after 2 more start/stalls it started up.
And yet, next week, it may work perfectly fine for a month without a single incident. This past week though it's been every single time I get into the truck.
Given the symptoms... ignition switch?
Basically, I have an '03 Ram 4x4 5.7l Hemi. I hop in, turn the key, starts up perfectly fine, runs 2 seconds and shuts off. Absolutely no smoke, stuttering, coughing, etc... it's as if I turned the key, started the key, then just turned it off again.
Dodge dealer couldn't duplicate the issue and basically said too busy to do any testing, but not too busy to suggest replacing my spark plugs for $450CAD because who knows, maybe the plugs are old. Nothing like a $450 guess. Plus can change them myself for $100.
When the truck shuts off, 1 red LED light is blinking... so I think it's a security issue, like it's not reading the key chip so after it starts it shuts itself off.
Lately, and especially last night, after a few failed attempts, it does nothing. I turn the key, all dash lights come on, and nothing. No clicking, no attempt to turn over, absolutely nothing. Which is why I doubt a fuel pump or spark plug issue. If I wait a minute and try again, it usually works. Last night, I tried 8x with out the truck doing anything and almost had to get a lift home. Waited a few minutes and tried again, and after 2 more start/stalls it started up.
And yet, next week, it may work perfectly fine for a month without a single incident. This past week though it's been every single time I get into the truck.
Given the symptoms... ignition switch?
