Sprinter808
2006 Dodge 2500
Last week I was driving my van for about 1 hour with the high beam headlights on, when I got stuck in stop and go traffic. After about 10 minutes of stop and go, the engine died. No lights, no warnings, nothing. I tried shifting to neutral and turn the key, but no crank. I turned off the headlights, and put on the 4 way flashers. After about 90 seconds, I put the van in park, took out the key, and retried the ignition. Success ! I drove off.
So I took the next exit, to escape the stop and go, and she died again at a light.
Again, no check engine, no warning lights at all !
This time, the electric fan was running when I tried to restart, and no crank. I turned on the ignition until the fan turned off, waited 2 minutes, and she started !
For the remainder of the trip, I tried to keep rpm up, and DC use down, and no stalls.
I have tested the battery, and it is in need of replacement, but I think it just needed a charge since I have not used the van in a month. Doesn't the alternator charge even at idle speed? And what is the minimum DC voltage and current the van needs to operate?
(for a backup )
I have also read that a crankshaft position sensor can cause stalling. After the battery, might I need one of those as well?
I appreciate any insight !
So I took the next exit, to escape the stop and go, and she died again at a light.
Again, no check engine, no warning lights at all !
This time, the electric fan was running when I tried to restart, and no crank. I turned on the ignition until the fan turned off, waited 2 minutes, and she started !
For the remainder of the trip, I tried to keep rpm up, and DC use down, and no stalls.
I have tested the battery, and it is in need of replacement, but I think it just needed a charge since I have not used the van in a month. Doesn't the alternator charge even at idle speed? And what is the minimum DC voltage and current the van needs to operate?
(for a backup )
I have also read that a crankshaft position sensor can cause stalling. After the battery, might I need one of those as well?
I appreciate any insight !