Viper is cranking, but not starting? - Anyone else have this issue?

Zee · Feb 4, 2013

Hi everyone, I did some searches and did find some posts regarding what could be some of the issues on Viper Alley (been hearing it could be fuel pump, fuses, alarm). I wanted to reach out to you guys to see if you had a similar issue with your Viper.

My car is a 1997 RT/10.

Car was driving fantastic yesterday and everything was normal. I washed the car today and pulled the car into the garage, then a few hours later when I was going to take her out the car would not start.

The car cranks but does not turn. I noticed the first time I tried to start it, it did start, and it quickly died after a few seconds. I did this again about 6 hours later and it did turn on for a second and then died again. I repeated a few times and it just cranks.

I spoke with my Viper Tech (who was nice enough to help me out on super bowl sunday...awesome guy) and did a few tests to see what could be the issue.

-I held both buttons on the alarm down for 10 seconds and it chirped.
-I checked my fuse boxes but did not find anything for fuel
-I have not done a fuel pressure test - I was going to this this week and I am crossing my fingers that its not the fuel pump

Could this be an issue with the alarm?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Update:
-I turned the key and I did hear the fuel pump prime for a few seconds with that brief humming/buzzing noise. I did it like 5 times but the car still did not start after, still just cranking.
-I also checked the fuel by removing the cap on the engine and pressing down on the valve. A little fuel did splash out but not much. I turned the key a few times to let it prime and checked the valve again and some fuel did come out.

Jmch · Feb 4, 2013

turn the key to on and off twice before starting to run the fuel pump prime twice and see if it starts for a little longer. If you listen closely you may even be able to hear the fuel pump turn on when the key is initially turned to on. If you cant hear either a whine or hum type noise for 2 seconds on first key on it could be a fuel pump issue.. with a fuel pressure gauge it will be easy to check. That would be my first guess from your described symptom.

Zee · Feb 4, 2013

Thanks for the feedback. Ok I just checked a few more things:

I turned the key and I did hear the fuel pump prime for a few seconds with that brief humming/buzzing noise. I did it like 5 times but the car still did not start after, still just cranking.

I also checked the fuel by removing the cap on the engine and pressing down on the valve. A little fuel did splash out but not much. I turned the key a few times to let it prime and checked the valve again and some fuel did come out.

Roysviper · Feb 4, 2013

I agree.....I had that happen once and the fuel pressure dropped to about 14 lbs, I had to replace the fuel pump....BINGO....back to 50 lbs pressure and no more problem....

=Jmch;3150366]turn the key to on and off twice before starting to run the fuel pump prime twice and see if it starts for a little longer. If you listen closely you may even be able to hear the fuel pump turn on when the key is initially turned to on. If you cant hear either a whine or hum type noise for 2 seconds on first key on it could be a fuel pump issue.. with a fuel pressure gauge it will be easy to check. That would be my first guess from your described symptom.[/QUOTE]

Zee · Feb 4, 2013

Roysviper said:
I agree.....I had that happen once and the fuel pressure dropped to about 14 lbs, I had to replace the fuel pump....BINGO....back to 50 lbs pressure and no more problem....

what is the estimated cost to replace the fuel pump? Thanks for your reply

Steve-Indy · Feb 4, 2013

Your alarm may be the problem...and your Viper Tech should be able to help you with a "fix".

Roysviper · Feb 4, 2013

They are usually for sale on eBay pretty reasonable. Before you order one, verify first your fuel pressure reading so you don't waste your money like was mentioned above......Also 99RT10 usually always has a good deal on used fuel pumps....You may want to upgrade to a better stronger pump at this point also. The price could vary from about $400- $1000 depending on the pump.

OTE=Zee;3150371]what is the estimated cost to replace the fuel pump? Thanks for your reply[/QUOTE]

roller · Feb 4, 2013

Check the fuse and relay in the ASD circuit, both are in the underhood fuse box. My car had the same symptoms, turned out the ASD relay was bad. Swapped the horn relay (same relay size), for the ASD relay and the car started! Replaced relay with a new one.

Frank

lxadeuce · Feb 4, 2013

I've had that happen before and it ended up being the cam position sensor

George Farris · Feb 4, 2013

Agree with Steve-Indy ... make sure your alarm is not on.

whitebluevipe · Feb 4, 2013

this happened to me once also. i believe it was the crank position sensor. don't just start buying stuff until you actually figure out what the problem is.

Roysviper · Feb 4, 2013

That's right....that is why I said to make sure you take a fuel pressure reading first.......I have also had the crank sensor problem and the fuse problem as mentioned under the hood.....the crank sensor problem is lot cheaper and easier for you to fix....as is the fuses....all good advice.....

OTE=whitebluevipe;3150412]this happened to me once also. i believe it was the crank position sensor. don't just start buying stuff until you actually figure out what the problem is.[/QUOTE]

Zee · Feb 4, 2013

roller said:
Check the fuse and relay in the ASD circuit, both are in the underhood fuse box. My car had the same symptoms, turned out the ASD relay was bad. Swapped the horn relay (same relay size), for the ASD relay and the car started! Replaced relay with a new one.

Frank

I just tried this and still no luck

Steve-Indy · Feb 4, 2013

Did you consult your "Viper Tech" about the alarm?

Zee · Feb 4, 2013

I took out the door handles/entry module and tried to start it but still
No luck.

Are there any other fuses or anything I can try? I am going to do a fuel pressure gauge test tomorrow.

SHELBYVIPER · Feb 5, 2013

Zee,PM Sent.

brentsGTS · Feb 5, 2013

my vote is cam or crank sensor

ViperTony · Feb 5, 2013

Do you have fuel in the gas tank?

Zee · Feb 5, 2013

Yes there's fuel. I disconnected the PCM to see if it was wet or moist since this started happening after I washed my car. It was kind of moist so I will let it dry out some more. Next thing ill check is crank sensor. Any easy way to check this to see if this in fact the issue?

Steve-Indy · Feb 5, 2013

Zee, I have a question for you. Call when you can ... ... ....

Zee · Feb 5, 2013

Steve-Indy said:
Zee, I have a question for you. Call when you can...317-402-9012[/QUOTE

Sorry Steve at work...what's up?

speedracervr4 · Feb 5, 2013

Have you checked to see if you have spark? According to my 99 service manual the camshaft position sensor inputs voltage (.3-5volts) to the PCM depending on sprocket location...you could check that with a Multimeter while cranking it over to see if the sensor is bad. Not sure if it's the same for the 97 though.

scottmarston · Feb 5, 2013

Might check the schrader valve on the fuel line to make sure you have fuel pressure...maybe the pump isn't "pumping" anymore?

Ah, yes...I see you already tried this. Disregard.

Steve-Indy · Feb 5, 2013

There is a slight chance that it is easily fixed...worth trying before you do more involved trouble shooting...all depends on the answeres to a couple of questions.

Zee · Feb 5, 2013

Steve-Indy said:
There is a slight chance that it is easily fixed...worth trying before you do more involved trouble shooting...all depends on the answeres to a couple of questions.

Hi Steve, I just left you a VM. I will try you again in a bit. Thanks

Steve-Indy · Feb 5, 2013

Sorry...no voice mail, no missed calls...you might retry number ... ... ....

UPDATE: Good to speak with you...sorry about MY typo on the phone number originally posted. Good luck, and please let us know the outcome !!

speedracervr4 · Feb 6, 2013

So did you figure it out?

Zee · Feb 7, 2013

I am taking it down to A&C Performance next week. Stay tuned.

Zee · Feb 10, 2013

Hey everyone...so it's been a few days and the viper has just been sitting in the garage. I decided I wanted to try and start her up one more time before having it towed to the shop. She fired up!!

I notice it is idling a rougher then I remember, but sure enough she's running. I see no check
Engine lights on or anything. Any thoughts? Did the PCM maybe need to dry out some more since the cranking issues started after I washed her up?

GTSnake · Feb 10, 2013

Did you spray water on your coil packs? Maybe it got wet and you didn't get any spark.

Viper is cranking, but not starting? - Anyone else have this issue?

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