Not starting

[pvanwig]

My 2012 has intermittent starting problems. I have removed batteries and load tested independently. So I ruled them out. I show over 13 volts combined at the switched power port. It starts very easy on jumping. But does show charging above 15 volts after a jump. Never had it happen when warmed up. And usually after setting for a few days. No sign of anything left on but I do have automatic headlights.
Do I have a bad spot on the starter?
Any hints!

 

[Dan_69GTX]

So, I'm going to state what I understand you just stated:
The batteries test good - when the truck will not start.
When the truck will not start, add a jump pack or jump cables and the truck starts right up.


If that is correct, you have a bad connection to the battery! This connection could be:
- Between the battery post and the cable.
- Between the battery connection (of the cable) and the cable itself.
- Between the neg cable and the block.
- Between the pos cable and where it attaches.

Use a volt meter and look for voltage drop when trying to crank it. That will show you exactly where your problem lies.

Dan

 

[kthaxton]

Agreed, sounds like battery cables/connections.

 

[jhenderson]

May I ask what you used to load test the batteries?

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Good question.

Also, how did you jump it? Positive to where and negative to where.

That at will also help to narrow things down.

 

[tp0d]

Also, no mention of age of batteries. 4-5yrs is about typical max I've seen over the years, worse for a hot climate. If these are open acid, how are your water levels?

-j

 

[Hoefler]

I have never had the OEM batteries on all 4 of my Rams go much past 2 years.

 

[pvanwig]

Thanks for the help

There is my old battery tester and are you can see terminals are clean.
I jumped it from running car pos to battery neg to block on my truck. Both terminals on other car.
I load tested again with out jumping and driving it and found the Rt battery down below 9 volts.
I was going to get under truck and check starter terminals for cleanliness next.
Batteries OEM 5 years old in November.
New batteries in it and starts great.
Best price I found on batteries Glenn Thomas Dodge in Long Beach. Beating Sam's Club. Costco no longer carries that size.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Awesome!!! Glad you got it working! And thanks for letting us know what you found. Too many folks don't do that.

Also thanks for the info that Costco doesn't have them anymore.