Showdown

Have a Dodge that I do not use often. Tried to start, turned over but did not start. Tried starting again, turnover got slower. No check engine lights, everything else seems fine. Help? I am not a mechanic, but was seeing if something easy to check to get it to mechanic before having to tow it. Did have it checked out 8 months ago and everything was good. Only 60k miles.

rich

whats your fuel pressure reading. Could possibly be a clogged filter from sitting. Open the water drain and drain it or swap in a new filter. You could disconnect the heater grid or pull the relays and try a little starting fluid to see if it will run. And before anyone has a little hissy over the starting fluid a little bit without the heater grids will not hurt anything.

rwhite1

Check your batteries and charge them. If turnover got slower, batteries are getting weak. That will probably fix the problem. even if the batteries have enough juice to turnover, it doesn't mean there's enough juice to start the truck (can't turn the starter fast enough). Charge the batteries or get another vehicle and jump it (and let it run a little while to charge the batteries before the next shutdown) and you should be good to go.

KATOOM

These truck MUST have good batteries. They are basically completely electronically controlled. Not only is battery condition critical for proper cranking speed, but if the charge is to low then the drag down in amps/volts can rob the other necessary electrical components. First to check is both battery condition and charge. This must be done with them completely separated from each other too since leaving them connected to one another will mislead their readings. If the batteries are fine and fully charged and it still wont fire right away then you'll need to make sure its getting fuel. Diesels are simple in the fact that they WILL start as long as they have fuel and the engine turns over. If looking for fuel supply is over your ability then letting someone look at it may be in order.

klcammie

I agree with 2 above. If the computer does not see min. of 10 volts no start. If engine turnover is slowing then may not be getting 10 volt. Check batteries.

Showdown

Thank you for the replies. Went ahead and got it towed. Have heard bad things about starter fluid and jumping with cables. Shop did check batteries and charge. Started after second attempt. Worried about fuel lift pump so replaced with same style pump for 2001 year. Changed filters. Will get her back in a few days. Thanks again.