Archived 2015 3500 ram diesel Parked in driveway now just clicks won't start

[austinsons]

checked battery's and fuses Please help. G.Man.

 

[B.G. Smith]

How did you check batteries? Turn on head lights and have someone watch them while you try the starter. If they go out the starter solenoid is probably ok. If they stay on then the problem may be in the starter circuit, solenoid, contacts, etc. bg

 

[Missouri Mule]

Did you pull the positive cable off the batteries to make sure they are same voltage? We're you driving the truck earlier? If so how many places did you go to (turn off and start the engine)?
The rule of thumb if doesn't start in morning it's the battery. If you do some errands and doesn't start it's the starter.
If you can get the engine started check the batteries to make sure the alternator is charging. Voltage should be higher with engine running and batteries should be same voltage.

 

[AEdelheit]

I would start by cycling the shifter and making sure it reads that the transmission is in park or neutral, check the simple things first.

 

[GCroyle]

Any chance it's a stick shift?

On the clutch master cyl is a safety switch, very reliable but will not allow starting if not closing.

 

[jhenderson]

If the starter is clicking it's not a safety switch. Most likely one or both batteries.

 

[rowekmr]

I hope it is not the starter just had mines go out in my 2011 2500 and almost fainted when I heard the OE price. I had no click and had to resort to hitting the starter with a hammer to get it started.

 

[Loren]

Austinsons,

I agree that it’s most likely a battery. You need to disconnect them from each other and from the truck and allow them to sit for a few hours. Then test each battery separately. It’s best to take them somewhere they can do a proper load test. Be sure to clean the battery posts and the cable connectors when re-attaching them.

I was going to suggest changing the contacts in the starter to LarryB’s, but I see that they aren’t made for the newer trucks. I’ve had good luck with those kits in my older pickups. This information may help someone else though.

Another troubleshooting procedure you might try is to jump your truck from a vehicle with known good batteries. If it starts right up then that would point towards one or both of the batteries as the problem.

Best of luck,
– Loren