Q: My car won't start up - 1998 Dodge Ram 1500

asked by on November 07, 2016

Whenever I go to start it up it keeps acting like it wants to start but immediately dies out after I stop turning the key

My car has 170000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Radio’s touchscreen died, what’s the problem?
Your touch screen system has a recall, R40 dated 7/28/2015, that pertains to the radio system being susceptible to a security vulnerability. The vulnerability could allow someone to access the system which could cause problems. The dealer will reprogram your...
What does the antilock brake system (ABS) Warning Light mean in a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
The antilock brake system (ABS) Warning Light is located on your instrument control panel. This alert illuminates when there is a problem with your ABS system, which is a key component in your brake system. However, sometimes the ABS Warning...
AC Blowing from vents and defrost
The air conditioner blend door is controlled by an electronic actuator and if the door is not in set position then you may have a defective actuator and need to replace it. The door operation should be in the manual...
Ac blowing hot air. 2011 Chevy Equinox
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. An AC that blows hot air can be caused by a few things. If the vehicle used low cold air, but over time began to blow warm, it may be...
Stiff steering wheel, Battery Light flashing, and noise under hood.
Hi there. The stiff steering wheel and flashing Battery Light may be caused by a serpentine drive belt that has broken or come off (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement). It could be that the serpentine belt tensioner pulley was making noise and seized (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/drive-belt-tensioner-replacement)...
The message comes on reduce engine power.
Hi there. The reduced engine power message could mean that something went wrong with the engine or transmission. There are multiple sensors and systems in the vehicle to cause this message to appear. Hook up a scanner to the computer...
I accidently over filled my oil 1qt will I be alright
If you overfilled the oil the crankshaft could contact the oil in the pan and cause the oil to foam up and cause engine to suck in the aerated oil into the oil pump and this could cause bearings to...
Hello. I accidentally left my 2 liter 1987 mercedes 190E car key on the accessory position in my garage and I will return in a few
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle's battery will likely be dead. Even if the vehicle has less electronic components sucking battery power, there are some. Even when the vehicle is off and sits, the clock can drain the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Charger
If If you’ve always loved driving performance cars but you don't know how you’ll fit a baby seat in a Mustang or a Camaro, the 2012 Dodge Charger could be the car for you. While it has the room and...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Ram
While While Chrysler has decided to give Ram its very own division, it seems impossible not to think of the Ram 1500 as a Dodge. After all, you’ll still buy your 2012 Ram at a Dodge dealer, and it remains...
2012 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2012 Dodge Ram: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a way to get a load of mulch or gravel, or need to haul a large trailer or boat behind your vehicle, chances are you are looking for a truck. Trucks are not meant to...