Cold starting problem

I have difficulty starting my 1993 Ram 350 Van on cold mornings.

After turning the key to the on position, I have to wait (the amount of time I wait depends on the overnight low temperature) for the fuel pump relay to start clicking. After a while, the check engine light starts to flash in time with the relay. It gets brighter and brighter until the relay stops clicking and the engine light is solid and bright.

Once the engine light is bright and constant, the engine will start easily.

Last year a local shop “diagnosed” the problem as a bad fuel pump. They replaced it for $450.00. The next morning the van was doing the same thing. I then replaced the feul pump relay which did not solve the problem. The local shop suspects the computer now and would like the opportunity to replace it and charge me another wad of cash on a hunch.

It seems like the electrical system needs to warm up before the van will start.

Does anyone have any ideas? Someone else described this same problem on another forum. But the answers were replace the fuel pump and the relay, which I have already done.

Thanks, Don…

I have the same problem exactly. Please let me know if you get it figured out. Kevin

It seems like the electrical system needs to warm up before the van will start.

Does anyone have any ideas? Someone else described this same problem on another forum. But the answers were replace the fuel pump and the relay, which I have already done.

Thanks, Don…[/QUOTE]

i have the same problem let me know if you found the solution. reply to rock_eater@hotmail.com I have changed the fuel pump & the 2 relays, chased the wires and I still have the cold start problem!

I have difficulty starting my 1993 Ram 350 Van on cold mornings.

After turning the key to the on position, I have to wait (the amount of time I wait depends on the overnight low temperature) for the fuel pump relay to start clicking. After a while, the check engine light starts to flash in time with the relay. It gets brighter and brighter until the relay stops clicking and the engine light is solid and bright.

Once the engine light is bright and constant, the engine will start easily.

Last year a local shop “diagnosed” the problem as a bad fuel pump. They replaced it for $450.00. The next morning the van was doing the same thing. I then replaced the feul pump relay which did not solve the problem. The local shop suspects the computer now and would like the opportunity to replace it and charge me another wad of cash on a hunch.

It seems like the electrical system needs to warm up before the van will start.

Does anyone have any ideas? Someone else described this same problem on another forum. But the answers were replace the fuel pump and the relay, which I have already done.

Thanks, Don…

I have spoken with two ex-dodge service managers who claim to have fixed this problem on at least a half dozen vans each.

Yes, they replaced the computer. They say that many 92s, 93s, and 94s V8s and V6s are likely to be affected. They also say that finding a used computer only works for a sort time as each model year were a one year only application and not interchangeable and all computers are likely to be effected. So the chance that a used computer will have the same problem is very high, depending on mileage and condition of the donor vehicle.

They suggest a test of the computer using a hair dryer to warm it on cold mornings. The unit is located under the hood, mounted high in the center of the fire wall. I have a 1,000,000 candle power spot light that I tried using to warm the computer months ago. It seemed to work the first few times I tried it but had no effect the last time. Perhaps it was just too cold and shining the light on the exterior of the computer is not as effective as blowing warm air into the ventilation holes. The spotlight is also a significant drain on the battery.

I have not performed this repair yet. I need more assurance that this is indeed the problem before spending the $400+ to replace the computer with a new one from the dealer.

Don…

I have spoken with two ex-dodge service managers who claim to have fixed this problem on at least a half dozen vans each.

Yes, they replaced the computer. They say that many 92s, 93s, and 94s V8s and V6s are likely to be affected. They also say that finding a used computer only works for a sort time as each model year were a one year only application and not interchangeable and all computers are likely to be effected. So the chance that a used computer will have the same problem is very high, depending on mileage and condition of the donor vehicle.

They suggest a test of the computer using a hair dryer to warm it on cold mornings. The unit is located under the hood, mounted high in the center of the fire wall. I have a 1,000,000 candle power spot light that I tried using to warm the computer months ago. It seemed to work the first few times I tried it but had no effect the last time. Perhaps it was just too cold and shining the light on the exterior of the computer is not as effective as blowing warm air into the ventilation holes. The spotlight is also a significant drain on the battery.

I have not performed this repair yet. I need more assurance that this is indeed the problem before spending the $400+ to replace the computer with a new one from the dealer.

Don… ram truck I to have tried the heat gun on the computer it work a few times put still same problem I have been told a few times now that it most likely is the computer. the suggestion of useing a used computer from a like wise aged truck does not make much sense. so the most likely answer is to spend the $400.00 ..or find some other answer?

iI HAVE A 92 DODGE RAMCHARGER WITH THE SAME COLD START PROBLEMS THAT YOU GUYS HAVE. I DID TRY THE HEAT ,RELAYS,WIRE CHASE,FUEL PUMP ETC.ETC. GAVE UP I BOUGHT THE NEW COMPUTER THE TRUCK HAS STARTED EVERY TIME IN THE MORNING AT -4C. SO IT LOOKS LIKE THAT HAS BEING THE PROBLEM ALONG ITS $400. BUT THERE IS NOT MUCH YOU CAN DO

ROCK_EATER N.ONT.

Thanks everyone.. What a relief!!! Finally I think I can try one trick!!! hair dryer!!!!...... mmmmmmmmmm.

I have 1992 Dodge ram 250(mark lll) and it has exactly the same problem as the others have. I bought it last september(2004) and it is my first American car, so.. I don't know much about the van and previous owner told me that I should wait for the check engine light on to start the engine!! I thought it is odd..but it is American van in London.. you know, anything can happen.. so since than I wait endlessly for the check engine light to turn on with all those ticking sounds. I could ony believe what he said, and here I am, I'll try that HAIR DRY trick. Thank you very much!!! ( O Well.. I should find where the computer is..... if that hair dryer thing works, then my wife might like the van little more.. I hope.)

Hello. People out there.
Today the van decided to start after weeks of relaxing on the spot.

Well.. It is about 10 degree C today, so I thought it might work!.. So it did...

I think I had enough. I can't use the van when I need during winter time. That doesn't make sense to me any more.

So.. I'm almost decided to change the computer unit(PCM unit) which you guys said should be blamed. I asked few different shops in London how much it would be.. They said it's about $600-$800(selling tax not included).

I wonder if it makes sense to you guys out there??

If not, could you recommend any place in USA to get the part..

Another question is that, Do I need any professional help to replace the computer part?? for example to set up a new program again.. kind of thing or I just replace as book said.

I need advice, Thank you in advance.

It's the computer!...

I acted on the advice of a former dodge mechanic and ordered a factory remanufactured CPU (about $200).

From the moment I plugged it in back in October, the van has started instantly every time. Even in -20° temperatures.

Replace the CPU. It's worth the $200.

Sorry for the delayed reply but I lost my email account and just now reactivated it.

Ramonaut.

Thanks,Ramonaut.

Can I ask you a few questiones, if you don't mind...

Yes, I'm looking for the computer, well... in the book, they say SMEC(single module engine controller), or PCM (powertrain control module) or performance control module or engine control module.....etc,etc.

I wonder what does FACTORY REMANUFACTURED CPU mean???

I assume CPU is a main part of the computer (SMEC,PCM,ECM...) and which is remanufactured.. which means It's a second hand? they rebuilt the CPU from the old part???

You see? I'm really beginner of all this things.
I'm sorry if it sounds too naive.. but what can I do? I can only ask. I'm really eager to see my van moving when I want like any other cars do.

The other thing is that could give me any information about the shop or factory where you got the CPU???

By the way, hair dryer method was perfectly working!!! It was like a magic, I did blow hot air to the computer about half a minute, and there was absolutely no problem to start the engine...

I couldn't believe it. I thought it was kind of joke.

My van is still sitting out there waiting for hair dryer or the computer....o..well...

Thanks again!!!!

Yes it's the PCM (C.P.U. is PC speak "central processing unit"). It's black and about the size of a cigar box, located high on the fire wall, near the center.

Yes it is rebuit from a core. You will need to surrender your core when you purchase the remanufactured unit. Be careful removing the old PCM from the fire wall as the mounting points and bolts were quite rusted on mine. In fact, I had to repair one of the holes and buy four new sheet metal screws to fasten it.

The factory remanufactured unit is ordered at your local chrysler parts counter and is acually cheaper than some of the after market pieces and it has a better warrantee. Mine looked like the outer casing was new. Not just cleaned.

Make sure you get the part nnumber off the PCM before you order it.

Good luck.

Ramonaut...

Like I said, it's worked greak ever since it was first plugged in.

ok you probably should get a chevy or a ford since your to big of a tard to understand how to make a pos dodge run. Actually no one can make a dodge run because its a dodge.

i have a 94 ram van and have the same thing happening thanks I'm going to get new CPU and save on the fuel pump