1995 Ram Van 318/Auto Intermittent Start - Help

[Terry O.]

I have a 1995 Ram Van 318/Auto, 75K original miles with a weird Intermittent Start issue.

Van usually cranks & starts normally. But I will get an occasional no crank.

Symptoms are as follows:
Dash lights (check engine, etc.) come on when key is turned to on but will not crank when key is turned to start position.

Battery shows 12.75V.
Starter relay tests OK per dodge manual test
Neutral safety switch on tranny tests OK per dodge manual test
Battery terminals are clean & tight.

As temp falls below about 50 degrees problem gets progressively worse.

What am I dealing with?

Is the Starter relay (or the neutral safety switch) a temp sensitive device & showing the first signs of failure?

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Merc225hp]

No, but what is subject to cold is the starter itself. If its old the cold will make it work harder. You could do a amp draw on the starter when you are cranking it and see what it is pull for amps. Also check all your grounds, clean them good along with the batt terminals.

 

[Terry O.]

No, but what is subject to cold is the starter itself. If its old the cold will make it work harder. You could do a amp draw on the starter when you are cranking it and see what it is pull for amps. Also check all your grounds, clean them good along with the batt terminals.

I don't think the starter is the problem.

Its either full, fast, robust cranking or nothing - regardless of the temp.

Its just more consistently nothing when cool/cold. However sometimes it cranks/starts just fine when cold.

 

[Merc225hp]

Without testing it you will never know if thats it or not. I offered you a suggestion if you look past that basic test then we have nothing more to look at. Starters have brushes in them they will can stuck out of place at times if they are full of gunk, there is also grease in the starter, if it old and thick cold will have an effect on that as well.

Sorry I can't be of more help good luck.

 

[Terry O.]

Wouldn't I hear something when I get a no crank - solenoid clicking?

 

[Terry O.]

The van either starts instantly, regardless of temp, or turning the key to start yields nothing - silence.