No crank sometimes - security light flashes

[Lexx]

Hi, I have a 2012 Ram 1500 hemi. A few weeks ago, I get in the truck to start it and nothing happens, Turn key off and back on and it cranks and runs fine. It started doing this intermittently, but always cranked the second time.

I bought new battery, had a 3rd key fob programmed (all three have the issue), and just a few days ago bought a new factory WIN unit and had dealership program it. Worked fine for a couple days and then started no cranking again. But now, it takes five or 6 tries to get it to turn over with the new WIN?

I noticed this. When it does not crank, the security dash light will flash. If you turn the key to the on position and let it sit there the 4 or five seconds for the dash lights to go out - if the security light goes off and immediately starts flashing, it is not going to crank. If it stays off, it fires right up.

A couple month ago, I noticed a cat go under my truck and I heard a body panel or something clap. I went inside and got my keys, opened the hood and there were 3 cats in the engine compartment. Ran them off and have not seen them since. No idea if they may have knocked a wire loose or damaged anything. This did not start until a few weeks later, so could be unrelated.

Had dealer pull codes before replacing WIN. Attached

Anyone have any ideas before I get ***** by the dealer. I can't find a local shop that seems to know anything.

Thanks,

 

[SitKneelBend]

Hi, I have a 2012 Ram 1500 hemi. A few weeks ago, I get in the truck to start it and nothing happens, Turn key off and back on and it cranks and runs fine. It started doing this intermittently, but always cranked the second time.

I bought new battery, had a 3rd key fob programmed (all three have the issue), and just a few days ago bought a new factory WIN unit and had dealership program it. Worked fine for a couple days and then started no cranking again. But now, it takes five or 6 tries to get it to turn over with the new WIN?

I noticed this. When it does not crank, the security dash light will flash. If you turn the key to the on position and let it sit there the 4 or five seconds for the dash lights to go out - if the security light goes off and immediately starts flashing, it is not going to crank. If it stays off, it fires right up.

A couple month ago, I noticed a cat go under my truck and I heard a body panel or something clap. I went inside and got my keys, opened the hood and there were 3 cats in the engine compartment. Ran them off and have not seen them since. No idea if they may have knocked a wire loose or damaged anything. This did not start until a few weeks later, so could be unrelated.

Had dealer pull codes before replacing WIN. Attached

Anyone have any ideas before I get ***** by the dealer. I can't find a local shop that seems to know anything.

Thanks,

How old is your battery? If you live in a colder winter climate it's the time of year where bad batteries start to cause issues. The slew of seemingly unrelated errors would make me suspect voltage drops.

 

[Lexx]

I purchased a new battery about two weeks ago after this was going on for about a week. Did not help. Wasted my money. Thanks though. New battery, new key fob, new Win unit. so far.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I purchased a new battery about two weeks ago after this was going on for about a week. Did not help. Wasted my money. Thanks though. New battery, new key fob, new Win unit. so far.

Not necessarily wasted but I get it. If it was the battery you could have been throwing a lot more parts at it trying to figure it out before finding that as the cause. I wonder if the cats weren't doing you a favor and were hunting mice that have made a home in your truck?

 

[Wild one]

What happens if you hook up another vehicles battery to your trucks battery and give it a boost.Just cause your battery is new,doesn't mean it's any good these days.
Buy one of these cheap old school toaster style testers ,for 20 bucks you can't go wrong,and they're still one of the best battery testers a home mechanic can have in his toolbox.

100 Amp, 6/12V Battery Load Tester

Amazing deals on this 100 Amp 6/12V Battery Load Tester at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[chopperman1]

New battery doesn't help if your charging system has issues. I would start with hooking up a jump starter and see if the problem goes away. If it does, go to your local parts store and have your battery and charging system tested.