When your 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 pickup truck cranks but won’t start, it can be incredibly frustrating to diagnose the cause. There are many reasons why you can find your truck not starting, such as the battery, starter, fuel pump, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, ignition system, or more could prevent your 5.7L HEMI engine from starting.
It is common, as you can see from many people asking why their vehicle cranks but will not start on a Dodge Ram forum.
Checking battery voltage and connections, trying to hear the fuel pump prime, testing for sparks at the plugs, scanning for trouble codes, and inspecting starter wire connections are good places to begin troubleshooting.
The engine may crank slowly due to a weak battery, bad cables, or faulty starter motor. No noise from the in-tank fuel pump could indicate a blown fuse or relay problem. No spark at the spark plug could mean a bad ignition coil, distributor cap, or spark plug wires.
In our guide, you can learn more about checking the battery, starter, fuel, and ignition systems to help diagnose the root cause of the no-start condition and try to start your vehicle.
By the end, you’ll better understand how to figure out why your 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 won’t start even if it cranks so you can get back on the road before you need a Dodge dealer. (Learn How To Get Into Locked Ford Ranger)
Dodge Ram 1500 Turns Over But Won’t Start – What Could Be the Issue?
It can be incredibly frustrating when your Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi cranks but won’t start. Here are common areas that could be the problem when a Dodge Ram 1500 turns over but won’t start.
Checking the Battery and Electrical Power Supply
- Check the battery voltage using a multimeter. It should be at least 12.4 volts.
- If the battery voltage is lower, recharge or replace the battery.
- Inspect the battery cables and terminals for corrosion, loose connections, or damage.
- Clean the terminals and tighten connections to ensure proper power flow to the starter.
- Check the engine ground straps and chassis ground points for integrity.
- Verify if the hood’s main fuse panel receives ignition power when the key is turned.
- Check for any damaged power supply circuits or blown fuses preventing power from reaching the starter.
Fuel Pump and Fuel System
A step-by-step guide to troubleshooting a no-start condition in a Dodge Ram 1500:
1. Check for fuel pump operation:
- Turn the key on and listen for the whine of the fuel pump running for a few seconds.
- If you don’t hear it prime, there may be an issue with the fuel pump or wiring.
2. Test the fuel pump relay, fuse, and circuit wiring:
- Use a test light to check for power at the fuel pump fuse and relay sockets in the fuse box.
- If there is no power, there may be a wiring concern.
- Replace relays or fuses as needed.
3. Check the fuel pressure:
- Attach a fuel pressure gauge to the test port.
- Turn the key and check the pressure.
- It should read 48-55 psi on most Dodge Ram 1500 models.
- Low pressure suggests a bad pump, clogged filter, or line, and the engine not getting fuel.
4. Verify fuel level:
- – Make sure there is gas in the tank.
Note: If your engine would almost start, use starting fluid to give the engine a boost and ensure it starts right away and the truck runs.
Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors
The crankshaft position sensor monitors engine speed and position to synchronize the fuel injector and ignition timing. The camshaft sensor helps track the opening and closing of valves. If either sensor is damaged or fails, the engine won’t start. (Learn How Many Gallons Of Antifreeze Does A Dodge Ram 1500 Hold)
Ignition System Problems
Issues in the ignition system can prevent a spark, which will stop the engine from starting. First, remove and inspect the spark plugs – look for excessive wear or carbon fouling. Check spark plug wires for cracks or corrosion and ensure they are properly connected.
Next, test for spark at the plugs while cranking the engine. No spark could mean a bad ignition coil, distributor cap, rotor, or spark plug wires.
Starter Issues
The starter is responsible for spinning the engine when starting. Slow cranking or no cranking likely indicates starter failure. First, check the starter fuse and relay for power on a key turn. Then, listen for the starter solenoid clicking – no click means the solenoid has failed.
Security System Problems
Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks have a theft deterrent system that can disable fuel or ignition circuits to prevent starting. The system may prevent the truck from starting if the security light is flashing.
Try replacing the ignition key with a new one – the transponder chip inside may be damaged.
ECU or PCM Failure
The engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) controls ignition timing and fuel delivery. If these computers fail or malfunction, it can lead to a no-start.
Retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the PCM, crankshaft sensor, or cam sensor. DTCs pointing to computer failures require ECU/PCM replacement or reprogramming.
Why Does My Dodge Ram Turn Over But Not Start? Common Causes
A Dodge Ram that cranks but fails to start can leave you stranded. But don’t panic – the most common culprits are often easy fixes. Here are some of the most likely reasons a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 turns over fine but won’t start:
Failed Fuel Pump
The fuel pump pushes gas from the tank to the engine. The engine won’t get the fuel required to run if it dies. Listen for the hum of the pump when the key is switched on. No noise indicates a bad pump.
Note: Some issues with the fuel pump relay in the TIPM are rare and expensive to fix to get your truck to run. (Learn How To Reset Climate Control Dodge Caravan)
Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
This crank position sensor monitors crank speed and position. If it fails, the computer won’t be able to sync the fuel injector firing. Check codes for a CPS fault and replace them if needed.
Bad Spark Plugs
Worn or fouled spark plugs leave engines cranking but still won’t start as they can’t spark, and fuel accumulates in the cylinders. Many drives say the truck started after I replaced my plugs.
Dead Battery
Corroded or loose battery cables and a weak battery that can’t provide sufficient amps to the starter motor will cause slow cranking or no cranking at all. A new battery could fix these issues if your battery won’t hold the charge.
Note: A faulty ASD relay can give the same symptoms as a dead battery.
Immobilizer Issues
Problems with the key transponder chip or immobilizer antenna can prevent the PCM from authorizing startup. By checking these common trouble spots, you can get to the bottom of your 2006 Dodge Ram’s no-start problem. With the correct diagnosis, many no-start issues can be resolved with simple repairs.
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Cranks But Won’t Start – What to Check
So you turn the key, and your 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 won’t start, but it cranks. There is likely a simple reason your 1500 cranks won’t fire up. Here are the first things to check when your Ram truck won’t start:
Fuel Level
Make sure there is adequate fuel in the tank. When the key is turned on, the fuel pump will prime and pressurize the system. But no gas in the tank causes the pump to suck in air which the injectors must bleed out. (Read Engine Issues Guide)
Listen for the Fuel Pump
Turn the key on and listen near the fuel tank for the hum of the in-tank fuel pump. No noise indicates the fuel pump is bad and not working, or you have an electrical issue. Other symptoms of a bad fuel pump include difficulty starting, stalling, losing power as you drive, and whining noise from the fuel tank. Check the fuel pump fuse, relay, and wiring for problems.
Check Ignition System
Remove a spark plug and test for spark by grounding the plug on the engine block while cranking. A good spark shows the ignition system is working. No spark can mean bad plug wires, coil packs, or other ignition faults.
These basic starting system checks only take a few minutes but can reveal the likely culprits for an engine that would crank but wont start. With the first checks completed, a deeper diagnosis of fuel, ignition, or electrical issues can proceed if needed. Just stay calm and be methodical in troubleshooting your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500.
Conclusion
A Dodge Ram that will crank but not start can be a real pain. But, as we have seen, with methodical troubleshooting, you can diagnose the root cause no matter if you have a bad crank sensor, alternator, or other common problem, such as many who say, “Mine was the fuel pump.”
Checking battery voltage, testing for sparks, listening for the fuel pump prime, scanning for codes, and inspecting throttle body and fuse connections are all good starting points.
If the engine cranks slowly but does not start no matter how much you try, or you hear no fuel pump noise, it’s best to call a trusted mechanic for assistance.
They have the tools and experience to assess fuel pressure sensor failure, electrical issues, start position, and determine where the problem lies.
With proper diagnosis, many 2004 Dodge Ram1500 crank no-start issues can be resolved by replacing the failed starting or fuel system component and getting the engine running fine again.
