been having several issues for awhile now. truck sometimes will not start after being driven, then shut off for a short time. so I lean towards an air leak in the fuel system. secondly, the tach will drop to zero while idling or driving, with significant loss of power and shifting issues. lastly, im on my third throttle position sensor(first actual MOPAR one tho). when accelerating and it finally shifts into overdrive, if you're not getting on the highway and getting on it, and just kind of cruising at 45-55, rpm's start jumping around quite a bit. I was resigned to diagnose all these issues individualy until a friend who is way more familiar with diesels than I am suggested a lot of this sounds like a bad cam sensor. thoughts? 2000 2500 2WD automatic trans

sure sounds like a bad cam or crank sensor.   

 

 

 

figured that'd be a good place to start. recommend any brands? any to stay away from?

Cummins brand worked for 19 years , Id say it worked well enough to go with them.

touche my friend, touche.

Might double check AC noise from the alternator. AC noise will foul and effect all sensors.

Edited February 15, 20196 yr by JAG1

Have you scanned for codes? My truck threw a code and then the symptoms started.

its had a constant 1693 for awhile now. i'll have to check on the AC noise. I know ive seen you explain how to do that several times. i'll have to find one of those threads.

How are you reading your codes? The 1693 is telling you there is a code set in the companion module. 

Edited February 15, 20196 yr by JAG1

I think you have a high level of AC ripple in the system plus a bad or marginal cam sensor.

On 1/15/2019 at 11:48 AM, NorCal2000 said:

its had a constant 1693 for awhile now. i'll have to check on the AC noise. I know ive seen you explain how to do that several times. i'll have to find one of those threads.

 

Then the ground wire mod after your sure the alternator is good.

 

On 1/15/2019 at 11:48 AM, NorCal2000 said:

its had a constant 1693 for awhile now.

 

Get a code reader. The only year the key trick works on for sure is a 2002. P1693 is a code meaning there is codes on the other computer. Get a code reader and report back the error codes.