Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Intermittent no start when key is turned

[BTMaltby]

Replaced starter and ingnition tumbler and there are still times when I turn the key and nothing happens. I turn the key on and wait for all the dashboard lights to go out and turn the key to start and it is dead silent. This only happens every once in a while. So it is very hard to solve since the majority of the time it starts normally. My mechanic has replaced the starter and ignition tumbler but neither fix has solved the problem. I am afraid that I will get in a situation where it will finally not start at all. Any ideas on a fix?

 

[Bob4x4]

Some truck model info might help

 

[AEdelheit]

I'd first suspect a safety switch, park or clutch depending on trans.

 

[Bob4x4]

There are issues in the Pdc of some years

 

[BTMaltby]

Sorry - 2001 3500 turbo diesel dually A/T 2WD

 

[Smokin' Larry]

Replaced starter and ingnition tumbler and there are still times when I turn the key and nothing happens. I turn the key on and wait for all the dashboard lights to go out and turn the key to start and it is dead silent. This only happens every once in a while. So it is very hard to solve since the majority of the time it starts normally. My mechanic has replaced the starter and ignition tumbler but neither fix has solved the problem. I am afraid that I will get in a situation where it will finally not start at all. Any ideas on a fix?

Can you clear up something? You say your mechanic replaced your ignition TUMBLER. Did he also replace the electric switch in the steering column? A 2001 switch has been through a lot of cycles and could be worn out.

 

[Bob4x4]

Maybe this will help
NO: 08-01-00 Rev. A
SUBJECT: No Start (Engine Will Not Crank) Due To A Blown Starter Relay Circuit Fuse
DATE: June 30, 2000
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-01-00, DATED JAN. 21, 2000, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS.

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly and a new fuse.

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO RAM TRUCKS AND RAM VANS/WAGONS BUILT BEFORE THE FOLLOWING DATES:


RAM VANS/WAGONS
• PILLETTE ROAD ASSEMBLY PLANT - ALL EXCEPT CNG VEHICLES - JANUARY 18, 2000 (MDH 0118XX). CNG VEHICLES - JANUARY 25, 2000 (MDH 0125XX).


RAM TRUCKS
• ST. . LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "J") - JANUARY 25, 2000 (MDH 0125XX)
• WARREN TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "S") - FEBRUARY 2, 2000 (MDH 0202XX).
• SALTILLO TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "G") - FEBRUARY 7, 2000 (MDH 0207XX).
• LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "M") - FEBRUARY 14, 2000 (MDH 0214XX).



SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

The vehicle will not start (engine will not crank) due to a blown starter relay circuit fuse.

DIAGNOSIS:
Inspect for a blown starter relay circuit fuse. The starter relay circuit fuse is located in the fuse block on Ram Van/Wagons and is fuse number 17. On Ram Trucks, the starter relay fuse is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) and is fuse "D. " If the fuse is blown, inspect the starter relay circuit forany electrical shorts to ground. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 8W-21 "Starting System Wiring Diagrams" for circuit identification, components, and their locations. If there are no apparent electrical shorts to ground in the starter relay circuit, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty Part No. Description
1 04687835 Fuse, 25-Amp
AR (1) 05019014AA Relay/Harness Assembly, Starter Solenoid Jumper, Ram Van/Wagon
AR (1) 05019015AA Relay/Harness Assembly, Starter Solenoid Jumper, Ram Truck



RAM TRUCK

Disconnect the battery negative cable. On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine, disconnect both battery negative cables.
On vehicles equipped with a gas engine, remove the battery negative cable clamp-attaching nut and existing ground eyelet. Install the ground eyelet (black wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly p/n 05019015AA onto the battery negative bolt. The ground eyelet should be placed between the existing ground eyelet and the battery negative clamp. Install the battery negative clamp nut. Secure the nut finger tight only at this time. On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine, remove the battery negative cable clamp-attaching nut from the left battery. Slide the ground eyelet (black wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly p/n 05019015AA onto the battery negative bolt and reinstall the nut. Secure the nut finger tight only at this time.
NOTE: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE TO THE BATTERY AT THIS TIME.

If equipped, slide the insulated cover of the battery positive clamp down away from the clamp approximately one inch.
Remove the battery positive clamp nut (left side only on diesel engines).
If equipped, slide the B+ wire and eyelet (red wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly through the battery positive clamp insulated cover.
On vehicles equipped with gas engines, attach the B+ wire and eyelet (red wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly onto the battery positive clamp bolt. On vehicles equipped with diesel engines, remove the battery positive bolt from the left battery positive clamp. Slide the B+ wire and eyelet (red wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly onto the battery positive clamp bolt. Install the bolt/B+ eyelet assembly onto the battery positive clamp. Reattach the right battery positive lead onto the clamp.
Install the battery positive nut. On vehicles equipped with gas engines, tighten the nut to 7. 9 N• m (70 in. lbs. ). On vehicles equipped with diesel engines, position the B+ wire eyelet so that the wire is pointing to the left (pointing towards the left fender). Tighten the nut to 9 N• m (80 in. lbs. ).
Disconnect the gray connector (T40 14BR circuit) located on the right side of the power distribution center.
Connect the two remaining leads of the starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly to the disconnected gray connector.
Secure the starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly to the battery positive cable as shown in Figure 1. Secure the top of the relay by placing a tie-strap through the hole of the relay bracket and wrap the tie-strap around the battery positive cable. Secure the middle of the relay by placing at least four wraps of electrical tape around the relay and the battery positive cable. Secure the wiring harness of the relay assembly by placing at least two wraps of electrical tape around the harness and battery positive cable.
Remove the blown fuse from the power distribution center and install a 25-amp fuse p/n 04687835.
Connect the battery negative cable(s). On vehicles equipped with gas engines, tighten the nut to 7. 9 N• m (70 in. lbs. ). On vehicles equipped with diesel engines, position the ground eyelet so that the wire is pointing to the left (pointing towards the left fender). Tighten the nut to 9 N• m (80 in. lbs. ). Reset the clock.
Verify the repair by ensuring that the engine starter circuit operates.
NOTE: A SUPPLEMENTAL WIRE SCHEMATIC FOR PAGE 8W-21-2 OF THE 2000 RAM TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-370-0008) IS ATTACHED TO THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

 

[MLee]

When you have the no start, have you tried raising to the top possition of the adjustable steering wheel column and tried again to start the engine? It could be that your not making a good connection with the wireing harness with the hot wires that carries the juice to start, or the wire has broken internaly.

Adjusting the height of the steering wheel all the time weakins these wires and will cause the problem. My 95 does the same occasinally. So far i've just lived with it.

 

[IdahoJim]

Maybe this will help
NO: 08-01-00 Rev. A
SUBJECT: No Start (Engine Will Not Crank) Due To A Blown Starter Relay Circuit Fuse
DATE: June 30, 2000
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-01-00, DATED JAN. 21, 2000, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS.

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly and a new fuse.

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO RAM TRUCKS AND RAM VANS/WAGONS BUILT BEFORE THE FOLLOWING DATES:


RAM VANS/WAGONS
• PILLETTE ROAD ASSEMBLY PLANT - ALL EXCEPT CNG VEHICLES - JANUARY 18, 2000 (MDH 0118XX). CNG VEHICLES - JANUARY 25, 2000 (MDH 0125XX).


RAM TRUCKS
• ST. . LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "J") - JANUARY 25, 2000 (MDH 0125XX)
• WARREN TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "S") - FEBRUARY 2, 2000 (MDH 0202XX).
• SALTILLO TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "G") - FEBRUARY 7, 2000 (MDH 0207XX).
• LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH VIN POSITION = "M") - FEBRUARY 14, 2000 (MDH 0214XX).



SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

The vehicle will not start (engine will not crank) due to a blown starter relay circuit fuse.

DIAGNOSIS:
Inspect for a blown starter relay circuit fuse. The starter relay circuit fuse is located in the fuse block on Ram Van/Wagons and is fuse number 17. On Ram Trucks, the starter relay fuse is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) and is fuse "D. " If the fuse is blown, inspect the starter relay circuit forany electrical shorts to ground. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 8W-21 "Starting System Wiring Diagrams" for circuit identification, components, and their locations. If there are no apparent electrical shorts to ground in the starter relay circuit, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty Part No. Description
1 04687835 Fuse, 25-Amp
AR (1) 05019014AA Relay/Harness Assembly, Starter Solenoid Jumper, Ram Van/Wagon
AR (1) 05019015AA Relay/Harness Assembly, Starter Solenoid Jumper, Ram Truck



RAM TRUCK

Disconnect the battery negative cable. On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine, disconnect both battery negative cables.
On vehicles equipped with a gas engine, remove the battery negative cable clamp-attaching nut and existing ground eyelet. Install the ground eyelet (black wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly p/n 05019015AA onto the battery negative bolt. The ground eyelet should be placed between the existing ground eyelet and the battery negative clamp. Install the battery negative clamp nut. Secure the nut finger tight only at this time. On vehicles equipped with a diesel engine, remove the battery negative cable clamp-attaching nut from the left battery. Slide the ground eyelet (black wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly p/n 05019015AA onto the battery negative bolt and reinstall the nut. Secure the nut finger tight only at this time.
NOTE: DO NOT CONNECT THE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE TO THE BATTERY AT THIS TIME.

If equipped, slide the insulated cover of the battery positive clamp down away from the clamp approximately one inch.
Remove the battery positive clamp nut (left side only on diesel engines).
If equipped, slide the B+ wire and eyelet (red wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly through the battery positive clamp insulated cover.
On vehicles equipped with gas engines, attach the B+ wire and eyelet (red wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly onto the battery positive clamp bolt. On vehicles equipped with diesel engines, remove the battery positive bolt from the left battery positive clamp. Slide the B+ wire and eyelet (red wire with eyelet) from starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly onto the battery positive clamp bolt. Install the bolt/B+ eyelet assembly onto the battery positive clamp. Reattach the right battery positive lead onto the clamp.
Install the battery positive nut. On vehicles equipped with gas engines, tighten the nut to 7. 9 N• m (70 in. lbs. ). On vehicles equipped with diesel engines, position the B+ wire eyelet so that the wire is pointing to the left (pointing towards the left fender). Tighten the nut to 9 N• m (80 in. lbs. ).
Disconnect the gray connector (T40 14BR circuit) located on the right side of the power distribution center.
Connect the two remaining leads of the starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly to the disconnected gray connector.
Secure the starter solenoid jumper relay/harness assembly to the battery positive cable as shown in Figure 1. Secure the top of the relay by placing a tie-strap through the hole of the relay bracket and wrap the tie-strap around the battery positive cable. Secure the middle of the relay by placing at least four wraps of electrical tape around the relay and the battery positive cable. Secure the wiring harness of the relay assembly by placing at least two wraps of electrical tape around the harness and battery positive cable.
Remove the blown fuse from the power distribution center and install a 25-amp fuse p/n 04687835.
Connect the battery negative cable(s). On vehicles equipped with gas engines, tighten the nut to 7. 9 N• m (70 in. lbs. ). On vehicles equipped with diesel engines, position the ground eyelet so that the wire is pointing to the left (pointing towards the left fender). Tighten the nut to 9 N• m (80 in. lbs. ). Reset the clock.
Verify the repair by ensuring that the engine starter circuit operates.
NOTE: A SUPPLEMENTAL WIRE SCHEMATIC FOR PAGE 8W-21-2 OF THE 2000 RAM TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-370-0008) IS ATTACHED TO THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

It wouldn't be intermittant with a blown fuse.
Jim

 

[IdahoJim]

Replaced starter and ingnition tumbler and there are still times when I turn the key and nothing happens. I turn the key on and wait for all the dashboard lights to go out and turn the key to start and it is dead silent. This only happens every once in a while. So it is very hard to solve since the majority of the time it starts normally. My mechanic has replaced the starter and ignition tumbler but neither fix has solved the problem. I am afraid that I will get in a situation where it will finally not start at all. Any ideas on a fix?

I'm currently going thru this with my 2001 3/4 4x4. I've about got mine pinned-down to the neutral switch. You might try moving the shift lever while trying to start. If it goes, the problem is the transmission linkage adjustment, or maybe the neutral switch itself. I replaced my switch, and it seemed to help for awhile, but the problem came back. The other day I adjusted the linkage, and so far it has turned over every time I tried. We'll see how it does for the next little while, before I decide it's fixed.
Jim

 

[Bob4x4]

It wouldn't be intermittant with a blown fuse.
Jim

It does not always have a blown fuse sometimes just a volt drop... ... ... ...

 

[Ron Bissett]

Could be just old battery one or both . If so get two new pair ,not just one.

 

[Misenheimer]

Hi
The switch was the problem on my 99 2500 and it was intermittant making it a pain to trouble shoot. I ended up putting a remote starter button under the hood, I was a long way from home and needed it ti start. I got the remote starter from a parts store for $10 and cliped it on. I know that every one will cringe at this but it stoped being a problem when I sprayed some PB-Blaster in the switch. Contact cleaner did nothing. I was going to replace it when I got back home but forgot and it has never failed in the last three years.

 

[IdahoJim]

Hi
The switch was the problem on my 99 2500 and it was intermittant making it a pain to trouble shoot. I ended up putting a remote starter button under the hood, I was a long way from home and needed it ti start. I got the remote starter from a parts store for $10 and cliped it on. I know that every one will cringe at this but it stoped being a problem when I sprayed some PB-Blaster in the switch. Contact cleaner did nothing. I was going to replace it when I got back home but forgot and it has never failed in the last three years.

Strangely enough, the factory service manual says to remove the "flash" at the switch if there is a switch problem. Shooting the PB Blaster in there might have done just that. I also agree with the idea of an underhood starter button... . and I'm going to put one on mine. My truck spends a lot of time out in the boonies, far from towns. An extra starter button, that bypasses the switch, is a great safety factor to get me home.
Jim

 

[BTMaltby]

The problem discussed above with intermittent not start continued for a little over a year. The solution was to bump the top of the steering wheel with the palm of my hand and it would start everytime until about a month ago so I had it towed to my mechanic. Turns out the starter was about to fall out! Starts every time so far.