My dad has a 2000 Dodge diesel and had an issue today. He drove it all morning, starting it and shutting it off several times. It sat for a few hours and he went out to start it and it just cranked but would not start. He went out about an hour later and it fired right up. He drove it and shut it off and restarted it several more times without issue.
We are lost on what is going on. It has done this a few times this spring without warning.
I did a search a found all kinds of stuff from electrical to fuel issues, but nothing really fit this problem where it runs fine, then won't start, then later starts just fine and only does this intermittently.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

Check the simple stuff first....clean and tight batt connections. From there ck the starter. It may test fine on a bench at your local auto parts but many fail once the CTD load is applied.

 

This could be any number of things, electrical/fuel related.

Can you check the codes?

 

Had the same problem with my truck. The check engine light would come on while it was running, then it would not start until the engine had cooled down some. It turned out to be the crank shaft position sensor. It is a simple fix, just have to drop the starter to get to the sensor. It should cost about $35. Good luck.

 

CPS (crank position sensor), had similar symptoms to you. Scanned my truck with the scanguage (you could go to NAPA and get your truck scanned. Had the CPS code, would not start at random times.

 

Mine also was the CKP. Crank normally with intermittent no start but no codes. The 1st time I bought Cummins CKP, 2nd time cheaper chainstore lifetime part which is still working.

You can simply leave wires connected to starter and set it on the frame (control arms?- I forgot which) or take the time to check/replace starter solenoid contacts.

http://www.sherco-auto.com/contacts.htm

 

You guys with the CPS issues, did the tach go to 0 while running?

 

Yup. The tach would drop to zero and the check engine light would come on. The tach did not flop around. Once I replaced the CPS, it solved the problem.

 

Ok good to know, will be doing mine this weekend then, hope it makes it two more days, may as well do my raptor FRRP at the same time!

 

yes tach went to 0 on my friends too. Hopefully your problem is solved!