No crank no start

[ConnieG4]

I have a 1994 ram1500 with the 5.9 V8. It has developed an intermittent habit of not starting.cWhwn this happens, I have all my start up dash lights but am not hearing an tick from the starter and not cranking. I've tried arching the starter connections and get a big spark but no response from the starter. I swapped the starter from my parts rig and it started right up. A few days later, no crank no start. Bought a new starter relay and battery terminals and cleaned all related ground connections. Truck started. A few more drives, then again no crank no start. We Went under and mess

 

[tron67j]

Have you load-tested your battery using something like a carbon pile tester? A regular volt meter won't do it, you need to test the amps. That would be my first place to try. You could have a failing battery that won't charge properly. Maybe also test the a output of the alternator.

 

[Curmudgeon]

@ConnieG4 The most accurate/reliable/preferred battery load tester is probably the cheapest as well. You can find one at Harbor Freight (Yakima, Wenatchee) or Amazon.




Harbor Freight > https://www.harborfreight.com/100-amp-612v-battery-load-tester-61747.html

Amazon > https://www.amazon.com/Q-TECH-Battery-Load-Tester-100/dp/B07T4ZSN3N?crid=9V8GMT47M9GM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C47gvqblDqsCe_2r4ojZD6vLwMqNfBKCRl03eL4OpiGfPHoXjk7PT0nzNz5jvVC6jnZQrxDyiQNFOe7i_wAB_RXQ6jcb6z9-ClZaLweSj09ZIeA5b4f8Hm0YGBV1xbm4unPTB82Q3u7BpZvuCkWCaseD3B-2FyRr45JPotYE0cDdG24JME8zMe5ltD9ZrfuX4aGqElrlM-Jwa1UCbx4z1mLJsbEwzrAYHcloFYNcFa-52sYW5gYYNBBuCu4JXDibN_AlktrK1V5uAGqPKaw3EQbzk_DRkWRPAkPdKgvARrY.9eYeVVBBGGOlUXNKSyYPKtInnswHfFV3xqG88RAJM9Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=cen+tech+battery+load+tester&qid=1759068851&sprefix=cen-tech+battery,aps,1052&sr=8-1

 

[Tank Guy]

You can use your meter to see if the starter relay is receiving the current required to actuate it.

As others have noted, a failing battery can fool you when no meaningful load is on it. But if you put a meter on the battery and have someone try to start the engine, if voltage drops substantially your battery is suspect. If there is no voltage drop at all and no cranking or start then something else is up.

As old as your truck is even the ignition switch could be a possibility

 

[ConnieG4]

I have a new battery, new relay, new ignition switch and key lock cylinder. I cleaned every ground wire I could find. If I haven't driven it for a few hours it will start no problem. It just won't start if I've driven it and then shut it off, then I have to wait at least 3 hours, a couple weeks ago I only had to wait about an hour but it has gradually required a longer.

 

[Tank Guy]

I'm not sure what a parts rig is, but I'm guessing it's a donor vehicle. Depending on how long it's been sitting and how tired the starter you pulled off of it was, that starter may have failed shortly after being placed back in service. If you have a solid 12 volts going to the starter solenoid when the key is turned to the start position and nothing is happening, as in no sound of the starter gear engaging the flywheel and no attempt to crank, there's really nowhere else to look than the starter itself. It sounds like you've replaced everything else that's involved in starting already. Fortunately, starters can be removed and bench tested to confirm that they do or do not work. When you finally get this sorted out I'd love to know what ended up causing the problem.

 

[bdog_711]

i’m not sure about the 94s, but if your truck has etc, it could be a throttle body issue. I had a similar problem in my 05 and I replaced the throttle body and that did the trick.

 

[RamDiver]

i’m not sure about the 94s, but if your truck has etc, it could be a throttle body issue. I had a similar problem in my 05 and I replaced the throttle body and that did the trick.

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