I couldn't get my 1997 dodge 1500 to start so I changed the spark plugs and checked all fuses and relays then someone told me to take a mallet and bang on the gas tank which helped but now it only starts if I bang on the gas tank is it the fuel pump or filter ???

Asked by Kapuaokamakahala Apr 23, 2013 at 06:26 PM about the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

3 Answers

this is not something that you'll find in the owner's manual, Sounds like a bad ground and the mallet business is helping the connection to ground...could be the fuel pump, but would continuously run when the key is turned to pressurize the fuel rail...would take a look at system ground to be sure the battery is newer than 7 years old, the chassis has good ground (clean connection, free of corrosion) and to the motor block. your problem seems to be lack of proper grounding~

5,890

Some fuel pumps have a safety circuit that shuts the pump off when a float goes low so it won't burn itself up. Apparently that float is gas logged and sunk.by beating the tank that makes the float jump off the bottom and reastablishes a electrical feed.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 1,626 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $825.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1997 Dodge RAM 1500

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,810
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,160
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
5,658 Great Deals out of 116,451 listings starting at $1,995
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,692 Great Deals out of 58,760 listings starting at $1,900
Used Dodge RAM 2500
50 Great Deals out of 1,046 listings starting at $5,970
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,417 Great Deals out of 23,402 listings starting at $3,700
Used Dodge Durango
634 Great Deals out of 18,540 listings starting at $2,800
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,190 Great Deals out of 45,925 listings starting at $800
Used Ford Mustang
860 Great Deals out of 24,155 listings starting at $1,900

Used Cars for Sale

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
21 Great Deals out of 269 listings starting at $2,304
2009 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
14 Great Deals out of 164 listings starting at $2,999
2008 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
16 Great Deals out of 210 listings starting at $1,995
2007 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 184 listings starting at $4,597
2006 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
7 Great Deals out of 155 listings starting at $825

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.