Truck dies a few seconds after turning on

[Freyatx]

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 V6 3.7L with about 250k miles on it. It wouldn’t turn on and after a few attempts and looking up some videos I got it going by hitting the fuel tank a few times and got it going to take to the mechanic (has his own shop, cash deals, you know where this is going).

As expected, it was the fuel pump. He changed it out and recommended I change out the radiator and thermostat as well so I went ahead and did.

After two days of getting it back, the truck started but died after 3 seconds and has been ever since. Reached out to mechanic and he recommended I change out the TPS and Idle air control valve (pretty easy to do on my own so I did). When saying I changed both and it still didn’t work, surprise, no more replies. Didn’t spend an absurd amount of money on labor or parts so not worth the legal hassle to be honest.

Any tips on what to do next? Is it still issues with the Fuel Pump if it turns on every time but just dies after?

Tried just unplugging both TPS and IACV electrical connectors as seen in some videos but no luck.

Thanks.

 

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 V6 3.7L with about 250k miles on it. It wouldn’t turn on and after a few attempts and looking up some videos I got it going by hitting the fuel tank a few times and got it going to take to the mechanic (has his own shop, cash deals, you know where this is going).

As expected, it was the fuel pump. He changed it out and recommended I change out the radiator and thermostat as well so I went ahead and did.

After two days of getting it back, the truck started but died after 3 seconds and has been ever since. Reached out to mechanic and he recommended I change out the TPS and Idle air control valve (pretty easy to do on my own so I did). When saying I changed both and it still didn’t work, surprise, no more replies. Didn’t spend an absurd amount of money on labor or parts so not worth the legal hassle to be honest.

Any tips on what to do next? Is it still issues with the Fuel Pump if it turns on every time but just dies after?

Tried just unplugging both TPS and IACV electrical connectors as seen in some videos but no luck.

Thanks.

After starting the engine - can you keep it running by pressing the accelerator pedal and not let the engine idle?

Have you scanned the vehicle for any stored trouble codes?

Have you inspected the inside of the throttle body to see if it is very dirty, causing the stalling at idle immediately after start-up?

 

[jws123]

He most likely used a cheap **** fuel pump check fuel pressure he may have also damaged the fuel sending unit you may think your tank is full but may be empty

 

[Freyatx]

After starting the engine - can you keep it running by pressing the accelerator pedal and not let the engine idle?

Have you scanned the vehicle for any stored trouble codes?

Have you inspected the inside of the throttle body to see if it is very dirty, causing the stalling at idle immediately after start-up?

Yeah, I give it gas but it dies anyways.

Scanned and shows no codes, check engine light is off.

Haven't inspected the throttle body, it was running fine until the fuel pump issue. But I'll take a look.

 

[Freyatx]

He most likely used a cheap **** fuel pump check fuel pressure he may have also damaged the fuel sending unit you may think your tank is full but may be empty

Good call, will take a look at that as well. Any tips of where to hook up tester? Not really sure where the unit is to be honest.

 

[Barr2255]

I’m not sure where to plug in the fuel pressure testor on your truck (check YouTube), but I would agree faulty fuel pump. If that’s the case I would take it back to him and tell him to warranty it. If he doesn’t then throw some naval jelly on his personal rig (just kidding don’t do that lol) Maybe take it to another shop for diagnoses. Everything sounds like fuel though. Do you hear the fuel pump come on when you turn the key to “run” without starting it? Should be an audible buzzing noise for 3-4 seconds

 

[Sherman Bird]

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 V6 3.7L with about 250k miles on it. It wouldn’t turn on and after a few attempts and looking up some videos I got it going by hitting the fuel tank a few times and got it going to take to the mechanic (has his own shop, cash deals, you know where this is going).

As expected, it was the fuel pump. He changed it out and recommended I change out the radiator and thermostat as well so I went ahead and did.

After two days of getting it back, the truck started but died after 3 seconds and has been ever since. Reached out to mechanic and he recommended I change out the TPS and Idle air control valve (pretty easy to do on my own so I did). When saying I changed both and it still didn’t work, surprise, no more replies. Didn’t spend an absurd amount of money on labor or parts so not worth the legal hassle to be honest.

Any tips on what to do next? Is it still issues with the Fuel Pump if it turns on every time but just dies after?

Tried just unplugging both TPS and IACV electrical connectors as seen in some videos but no luck.

Thanks.

Try getting it diagnosed by a QUALIFIED technician who KNOWS what he/she is doing! Advising you to throw parts at it and hoping for the best is a sure sign of an inept oaf of a mechanic.

Or, you can spend 2-3 thousand dollars THEN have it diagnosed/fixed properly!

 

[Marshall]

If it starts ands shutdown after 2-3 seconds that could be anti theft kicking in if the key chip is not picked up, but fuel pressure check would be the first thing to check

You should be able to hear if it’s running
New pump, check the fuel lines at the tank