No crank-service 4x4 system

[randy lahey]

Hello everyone, really hoping someone can help with this issue:

Truck:
Bone stock 2015 ram 1500 5.7 hemi 4x4 172,000 km

The issue:
no crank service 4x4 message.

Me:
Im a torch-on flat roofer, but have been working on vehicles for around 18 years, but struggle with electrical issues.

The story:

Just replaced the 5.7 hemi in my work truck(cam/lifter failure) with another 5.7 hemi from auto wrecker, swapped it myself, went to start it-cranked for a second and then stopped completely-no noises or any bad sounds-just silence.

Trying to start again and nothing-except a service 4x4 system message. Fuel pump primes and have fuel pressure at rail, all lights and truck accessories work exactly as they should.

No clicking when trying to start (except from relay) still tried boosting it, no luck

Tried battery from identical working fleet truck, nothing

Pulled starter relay from my truck and tried in another identical truck in the fleet-fired right up

Swapped starter fuse, nothing

Multi meter showed 12 v at starter, replaced starter (ac delco-I know-owner of company wont buy from dealer though) still nothing

Tried to put truck in manual neutral, nothing

Code reader I have is only picking up codes stored from previous engine, even after leaving battery disconnected for 14 hrs and erasing codes

I did notice the ground strap between the heads on the replacement engine was unusable as it was greatly damaged,but it ran before it got to us and the engine I pulled out of my truck had no ground straps on the heads and it worked fine as well.

Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[jws123]

Check the ground from the block to the frame drivers side.

 

[randy lahey]

Is that the one with the plastic housing with a connection clip? If so, it is connected properly

 

[Wild one]

Is that the one with the plastic housing with a connection clip? If so, it is connected properly

Take a pair of booster cables just use one side of them,either the red or black side will work,clip one end onto the negative battery post,then hook the other end to a bolt on the engine or alternator bracket,and see what happens,as that'll bypass any bad or missing grounds.

 

[jws123]

Is that the one with the plastic housing with a connection clip? If so, it is connected properly

it should be near the drivers side motor mount goes from block to the frame.

 

[Brandon-w]

I'd say It's definitely pointing to a bad power or ground.

 

[randy lahey]

Take a pair of booster cables just use one side of them,either the red or black side will work,clip one end onto the negative battery post,then hook the other end to a bolt on the engine or alternator bracket,and see what happens,as that'll bypass any bad or missing grounds.

OK that makes sense! Thanks I will try this in the am when I get to the shop and post any updates so hopefully this thread can help someone else as well in the future

 

[randy lahey]

it should be near the drivers side motor mount goes from block to the frame.

Thanks, will check that in the am, I know I attached it to the block but didn't verify it was connected to the frame

 

[randy lahey]

Take a pair of booster cables just use one side of them,either the red or black side will work,clip one end onto the negative battery post,then hook the other end to a bolt on the engine or alternator bracket,and see what happens,as that'll bypass any bad or missing

 

[randy lahey]

Tried this in the morning, still nothing

 

[Wild one]

Tried this in the morning, still nothing

Odds are it's not a ground issue then.

 

[randy lahey]

Odds are it's not a ground issue then.

Ya, im starting to think I may not be able to get this truck running myself