Hi there,

I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 4x4 3/4 ton 5.9L 24 Valve Cummins. I purchased this rig 8 months ago with 125,000 miles on it. It started having a problem about 4 months ago. Sometimes when I would try to start the engine the starter would turn over 6 or 7 times, normally it would only turn over 1-2 times. And again only sometimes while I'm starting it the truck would choke then continue running. If I have not started it for a 24 hour period it would be hard to start and choke several times. Temperature doesn't have any effect on this issue. From -30 to 50F it has been having this issue. The main problem is when I try to shift from Park to reverse the engine will die. Right away I restart it and try again. Then Sometimes it will die from Reverse to Drive, Reverse to 1st, Park to 1st, Park to Drive. When shifting, the engine chokes and drops 100-400 RPM. Typically for this truck it should only drop 100 without choking of course. As long as the engine runs for at least 5 minutes before moving there is no issue. It is very inconsistent. There are days when I can run into the store for 10 minutes, come out, start it right way and drive off. Other days it will die every time. Once these symptoms started taking place my MPG average dropped from 15-16 in town to 9-10. Any ideas? All and any input is greatly appreciated. The only upgrades on this rig is a K&N custom air intake, straight 4" exhaust, a re-built tranny with an aftermarket valve body as well as a aftermarket Torque Converter....

 

several things are going on, all kinda simple.

Thanks for posting, glad to hear from you!

maintenance first of all, on the starter, clean the connections right back to the batteries. little lube where needed. shifting dogs may be worn for the hard shift or bind through the gears but an adjustment is needed anyways if the engine is under load on a shift, period. wondering about the fiber plates in the tranny with that mileage or hard use from where you live. any burnt smell to the fluid? brown color? check first.

not wanting to be rude but perhaps you can PM member ofcmarc.
lotsa good guys from your state here, they can give you better advice for your travel conditions and low temps.

a lot of starting troubles come between cold dry weather and the warm wet weather. but I do think you have two simple things going on at the same time .....good luck.