My brother-in-law just called and he said his truck will start and then die in 2 to 4 seconds. It just quits. He can crank it again, and after a second or two it will run, but dies again. It is an '04 3/4t 4x4 CTD.

Anyone have suggestions on what it could be? I have a few ideas, but don't know where to start.

Thanks, JWB

 

You do not say if the truck is in cold weather or not. If it is a problem that cropped up in cold weather, look to the fuel filter as being plugged. Start there by doing routine maintenance and see if that solves the problem. If the temperature is below 10 degrees, then get the truck into a heated shop and let it warm a bit and try it, or pick up some fuel treatment specifically designed to melt ice and parafin in the diesel. Untreated or non-winterized diesel will gel, create parafin and ice crystals and plug the screen in the fuel tank below 10 degrees F.

Unfortunately, the 04 has the version of the CP3 that suffers a rather high incidence of piston and shaft erosion, the external transfer pump that fails frequently, and a fuel rail regulator valve that is known for failure. These failures generally begin around 30,000 miles with the regulator valve or the transfer pump, with the injection pump going at about 70,000 miles for people that do not regularly use a fuel treatment. Each of these fuel system related problems should set an error code that will cause the check engine light to turn on.

It is pointless to toss parts at a fuel system problem, so if the check engine light is on have the truck scanned with the Dodge scanner, and then decide on the fix. The 04 should still have the warranty, so let the dealer deal with the troubles.

 

Chalk this one up to another failed LIFT PUMP! Pieces of crap. 50K on an '04. What a joke they are.....

 

I cant understand why DC cant come up with a decent lift pump after ALL these years of putting out JUNK. Do they NOT see a problem with them?? There are virtually NO lift pump problems on 12V's.

 

What kills me is, if they fix the lift pumps, they won't have to replace so many injection pumps which are expensive as heck. Fix one problem, cure another at the same time. I told Mike to expect to replace the IP in a week or two.

 

Sounds what they said mine would do if I tried to copy my grey key without buying one from Chrysler. Does his have the "grey" key ? Maybe its screwed up and not working right.