1 Click but No Crank - 21 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi w/ eTorque

[GPolli]

First post, I read the rules but hope this post doesn't break any that I may have missed.

Title says it. She ran fine but on my 4th-5th start of the day when I pressed the push to start I got 1 click but no crank, and about 10 seconds later another click. The cab, dash, and lights all get power, and nothing dims or flickers when I press start. The battery voltage was a little low so I got a jump pack and got her moving again. I put off replacing the battery for a couple weeks, then ran into the issue again. Jump packs and cables weren't doing the trick so I went and got a new battery, swapped em out and she fired right up. Now 3 or 4 weeks later, on my 3rd or 4th start of the day, click no crank. Battery voltage is fine and the cables to the battery are clean.

I'm thinking its the starter? I tried the love tap trick on the starter motor that others have suggested while someone hits start but got nothing beyond that click (the noise definitely is originating from the starter). Any thoughts? I wanted to get the Forum's insight before I went out and bought a $250+ starter and went through the trouble of replacing it (I reserve my comments on some of the Engineer's design choices lol).

Thanks!

2021 Ram 1500 Lone Star
5.7 V8 Hemi with eTorque
1C6SRFFT5MN547218
79,000mi

 

[KeithP]

First post, I read the rules but hope this post doesn't break any that I may have missed.

Title says it. She ran fine but on my 4th-5th start of the day when I pressed the push to start I got 1 click but no crank, and about 10 seconds later another click. The cab, dash, and lights all get power, and nothing dims or flickers when I press start. The battery voltage was a little low so I got a jump pack and got her moving again. I put off replacing the battery for a couple weeks, then ran into the issue again. Jump packs and cables weren't doing the trick so I went and got a new battery, swapped em out and she fired right up. Now 3 or 4 weeks later, on my 3rd or 4th start of the day, click no crank. Battery voltage is fine and the cables to the battery are clean.

I'm thinking its the starter? I tried the love tap trick on the starter motor that others have suggested while someone hits start but got nothing beyond that click (the noise definitely is originating from the starter). Any thoughts? I wanted to get the Forum's insight before I went out and bought a $250+ starter and went through the trouble of replacing it (I reserve my comments on some of the Engineer's design choices lol).

Thanks!

2021 Ram 1500 Lone Star
5.7 V8 Hemi with eTorque
1C6SRFFT5MN547218
79,000mi

Sounds like what my son just went through. New starter for him. Guessing that’s where you’re headed.

 

[mtnrider]

delete....

.

 

[RamDiver]

Deleted

 

[Rlaf75]

The tapping on the starter trick isn't always a sure thing. Usually one click indicates a bad starter. Your best bet would be to use a test light to make sure the starter is getting power. The large wire on the starter will have direct power from the battery so that will instantly light up the test light and the little wire will only have power when the start button is pushed. Clamp the test light to a good ground on the frame then probe the little wire when someone hits the start button. If it lights up then the starter is getting power and will need to be replaced

 

[DanAR]

Have you checked the voltage or condition of the new battery. If it’s down then possibly a problem with the eTorque 48 volt battery pack. It charges the 12 volt battery.

These testers are great for testing the starting power of your battery and cheap at Harbor Freight.

 

[Finchr]

Starter in my 22 was replaced at 50k miles and MGU at 53k…‍. Hopefully the auto stop start disabler extends the life of them this time

 

[jal92674]

I had a similar issue, turned out to be the starter. The ground wire on the starter gets exposed to road grime, water, salt, etc.. and deteriorates, no longer making a good connection. It is exposed underneath and not well protected causing the issue (in my opinion) prematurely.

 

[Kygolfer]

Same thing happened to mine. It was the starter.