Starting Issues , engine not cranking

[boatman3162]

Good afternoon everyone ! Having intermittent starting problems with my 08 Ram with the 4.7 - Takes multiple times to start with the key fob or manually in the ignition switch - I have the max care warranty , so the dealer went ahead and changed the starter - next day same issue - battery is relatively new , so are the batteries in the key fobs - there is an aftermarket market and stereo that were installed several years ago but hasn't been an issue till now - sorry for the long story , and all help will be appreciated - Good day to everyone

 

[boatman3162]

Also installed an after- market alarm 10 years ago and re- wired new front speakers - again, hasn't been an issue until recently

 

[turkeybird56]

@Wild one

The 08s use win module or RF hub?

Sounds like either Win Module/RF hub issue

 

[Wild one]

Good afternoon everyone ! Having intermittent starting problems with my 08 Ram with the 4.7 - Takes multiple times to start with the key fob or manually in the ignition switch - I have the max care warranty , so the dealer went ahead and changed the starter - next day same issue - battery is relatively new , so are the batteries in the key fobs - there is an aftermarket market and stereo that were installed several years ago but hasn't been an issue till now - sorry for the long story , and all help will be appreciated - Good day to everyone

Get one of these and start with the simple tests first a battery load test.These are still the best tool a home DYI'er can have in his tool box. Just because the batteries relatively new,doesn't mean it can be all that good.

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

 

[boatman3162]

Thanks for the input wild - one - gotta start simple i guess

 

[Mojo88]

Did the alarm installation include remote start (not sure if your truck had one from the factory)?

Anyway, I have seen a few issues with aftermarket alarms causing problems like this, as they often contain kill switches of some sort. If you have the alarm instruction manual, perhaps you can see if there's an easy way to disable or bypass it, then test and see if truck starts normally.

 

[Hagar1]

Thanks for the input wild - one - gotta start simple i guess

Well, when faced with an electrical problem, always start at the beginning and that beginning is the battery. Then work out from there.

 

[boatman3162]

Thanks Hagar and Mojo , will have to get my old ass under the dash and snoop around

 

[boatman3162]

A little update - Found the aftermarket alarm cutoff under the dash - tried starting the truck with both the alarm on and off - No change , still intermittent no start no crank - Had battery load test and that seems to be fine - i guess the next step is replacing the win ( wireless ignition node) ? Being that is have that maxcare warranty , i made an appointment at the dealership- hope my baby holds up another couple of weeks

 

[boatman3162]

Just an update - ground from battery to engine block was corroded, changed it out and problem solved - Thanks for the input

 

[Dean2]

Just an update - ground from battery to engine block was corroded, changed it out and problem solved - Thanks for the input

Surprisingly, that is not unusual. Bad battery, followed by bad grounds are the cause of a ton of issues. Everyone wants to jump to the expensive parts canon first, basics often solves it instead.

 

[xtryfun]

Good afternoon everyone ! Having intermittent starting problems with my 08 Ram with the 4.7 - Takes multiple times to start with the key fob or manually in the ignition switch - I have the max care warranty , so the dealer went ahead and changed the starter - next day same issue - battery is relatively new , so are the batteries in the key fobs - there is an aftermarket market and stereo that were installed several years ago but hasn't been an issue till now - sorry for the long story , and all help will be appreciated - Good day to everyone

Sounds frustrating, man. Since the dealer already swapped the starter and you’ve got a healthy battery, I’d start looking at the ignition switch or possibly the WIN module (that’s the wireless ignition node where your fob goes in). Those are known weak spots on 4th gen Rams and can cause the exact intermittent no-crank issue you’re describing.
Also worth checking grounds and wiring—especially if you’ve got aftermarket audio, sometimes a bad ground or a rubbed-through wire can throw the system off just enough to prevent cranking.
If you want to rule things out quick, try a spare key fob, or even wiggle the fob while turning to see if it catches. If it does, that points straight to the WIN module.
By the way, once you get this sorted, and if you’re planning to clean up the truck’s look a bit, I recently came across xtryfun touch up paint kits. Super handy for hiding those little scratches and chips these Rams love to pick up. Not gonna fix the no-start issue, but at least the truck looks fresh while you chase it down.

 

[Dean2]

Sounds frustrating, man. Since the dealer already swapped the starter and you’ve got a healthy battery, I’d start looking at the ignition switch or possibly the WIN module (that’s the wireless ignition node where your fob goes in). Those are known weak spots on 4th gen Rams and can cause the exact intermittent no-crank issue you’re describing.
Also worth checking grounds and wiring—especially if you’ve got aftermarket audio, sometimes a bad ground or a rubbed-through wire can throw the system off just enough to prevent cranking.
If you want to rule things out quick, try a spare key fob, or even wiggle the fob while turning to see if it catches. If it does, that points straight to the WIN module.
By the way, once you get this sorted, and if you’re planning to clean up the truck’s look a bit, I recently came across xtryfun touch up paint kits. Super handy for hiding those little scratches and chips these Rams love to pick up. Not gonna fix the no-start issue, but at least the truck looks fresh while you chase it down.

Issue was already solved and the OP was good enough to actually post the fix.. Read the two posts above yours. . It was a simple bad ground.