1998 1/2 24 valve. auto 2wd. Always run block heater in winter. This morning, I went to start it, and it stumbled for about 1/2; second and then quit and wouldn't start. (Usually starts instantly). So I tried a couple more times to start it and it wouldn't start. I pulled the negs. of the batteries, and turned the key and lights on to reset the computer and anything else. (This has ALWAYS been the fix...every 2 or 3 years I have to do this). But after reconnecting the batteries and resetting the apps. Still no start. I did notice that the lift pump kept running and running,...even after I took my key from the ignition. So I pulled the negs off the batteries and reset the computer again..(this time let it drain for 5 hours). But still wouldn't start after that, and the lift pump once again would stay on afterward..so to turn the lift pump off I have to pull the negs off the batteries again. Right now it is just sitting. I have nowhere to go with this. What is the next step.? Please chime in if you have any advice. I am in Salt Lake City UT.

 

OK. I figured it out. ...3 weeks ago I changed fuel filters. I have a 1996 fuel filter housing..(the official dodge 24V housing was complete garbage..and that is being kind). So I installed the new filter, and sensor on the bottom in december. I has been dripping slowly out of the sensor orfice. (I assume seal or sensor). I ordered a "plug" from genos garage so I could just loose the sensor,..but it has not yet arrived. I went 3 days without starting my truck (weekend),.. and on top of that,..I had 1/8 tank when I tried to start it when it wouldn't start. It finally donned on me that my VP44 may be sucking air,..because with that fuel drip out the bottom of the fuel filter...at some point it probably gets replaced by air. ANYWAY, I didn't want to go through cracking injectors,etc., to see if that was it,..so I just used starting fluid and it started. So I guess that is the end of that. If I was 25 years younger,..I would have probably figured that one out a lot sooner. OK,. Maybe someone will read this and it may help them out. Also,..I imagine my LP kept running even with the key off because there was air in there and it was probably where the fuel pressure sensor for the computer is.

 

I have swapped out a couple of the leak prone '97/'02 plastic fuel filter housings for the spin on '94/'96 style.
Much better set up with the spin on filter, rather than the drop in style.