Truck won’t start- 09 Ram 1500

[Adam Addlestone]

Hey Guys!

I have a 2009 Ram 1500 with the 5.7l motor. It won’t start. Before it died the alternator was overheating and whining. I’ve since replaced the alternator and recharged the battery. I’ve also tried bypassing the battery and jumping it from another vehicle. It still won’t start. I hear a single click from the fuse panel when I try to start it (which is one of the relays I am guessing). I’ve checked the fuses and I don’t see any blown.

I have read the codes and am getting P0688.

I’m stumped. What should I check next? I appreciate any suggestions!

 

[Elevated 2013]

The starter could be completely shot would be my first guess. If you can find someone that can help you while you’re trying to jump start the vehicle, take a long shafted screwdriver and while the other person is turning the key, put the shaft across both terminals of the starter. Don’t do it for long or you will arc weld the screwdriver there. But if it tries to turn over at that point, then it’s probably the starter solenoid is shot and you’re best off just replacing the starter.

 

[GsRAM]

Take the battery out and have it load tested and confirmed good before you do anything else.

 

[PolarisCobra]

Yes on the battery. They typically have a life of about 5 years, I am guessing your second battery is reaching the end of its life. Jumper cables won't always do the trick, especially if they are not GOOD quality cables. They may boost a weak battery, but not provide the current need to start from a remote battery.

 

[Adam Addlestone]

The starter could be completely shot would be my first guess. If you can find someone that can help you while you’re trying to jump start the vehicle, take a long shafted screwdriver and while the other person is turning the key, put the shaft across both terminals of the starter. Don’t do it for long or you will arc weld the screwdriver there. But if it tries to turn over at that point, then it’s probably the starter solenoid is shot and you’re best off just replacing the starter.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will give that a try today and see how it goes.

 

[Adam Addlestone]

Yes on the battery. They typically have a life of about 5 years, I am guessing your second battery is reaching the end of its life. Jumper cables won't always do the trick, especially if they are not GOOD quality cables. They may boost a weak battery, but not provide the current need to start from a remote battery.

Thank you for your suggestion. I was wondering about the battery but I bypassed the battery and tried jumping the truck by hooking the jumper cables directly up to the terminal wires with the battery removed and still no go.

 

[Adam Addlestone]

Yes on the battery. They typically have a life of about 5 years, I am guessing your second battery is reaching the end of its life. Jumper cables won't always do the trick, especially if they are not GOOD quality cables. They may boost a weak battery, but not provide the current need to start from a remote battery.

All of the electronics on the truck work after re-charging the battery, lights, radio, alarm, locks, etc. It doesn't show any signs of being weak. The battery had died though as a result of it not getting charged from the alternator - So perhaps it killed the battery. It's only 2 years old though as I had to replace it before. I'll look into getting it checked though.

To me it seems like theres some sort of kill switch thats preventing it from even trying to start up. I'm totally stumped but will try the above suggestions. Thank you!

 

[Elevated 2013]

You might also want to check out this thread on here as he found out it was his ECU and it’s the same generation Ram as yours. It had several good tips to try.

ALTERNATOR NOT CHARGING NEED HELP
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...EED-HELP.151331/&share_type=t&link_source=app

 

[jws123]

check the wires on the starter sometimes the little one that slides on comes loose or falls off yours may be dif but thats how mine is i had same issue. also tap the starter with a hammer then try to start.

 

[Rlaf75]

Does the engine crank over but wont start or does it do nothing when you turn the key?