Won't start just hear a single thunk when attempt too...

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JJbrew85

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Im looking for some help here diagnosing what could be the reason my truck won't start now. I have a 2003 Ram 1500 4.7. She was running fine but was idling ridiculously high so i removed all the hoses to look them over looking for a vacuum leak. I replaced and damaged ones and now she doesn't start. When i try to she makes a single thunk noise and that's it. Spark plugs and boots were replaced in last 3 month's and shes got a new starter, new idle control sensor, coolant reservoir and battery. Any suggestions or help would be highly appreciated.
 

Fast69Mopar

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Im looking for some help here diagnosing what could be the reason my truck won't start now. I have a 2003 Ram 1500 4.7. She was running fine but was idling ridiculously high so i removed all the hoses to look them over looking for a vacuum leak. I replaced and damaged ones and now she doesn't start. When i try to she makes a single thunk noise and that's it. Spark plugs and boots were replaced in last 3 month's and shes got a new starter, new idle control sensor, coolant reservoir and battery. Any suggestions or help would be highly appreciated.
If all you can hear is a"thunk" when you hit the key, make sure the battery cables/terminals are clean and properly secured. Then, do what @Karlsweg recommended.

If that doesn't change anything I would attempt to turn the engine over by hand. You can use a 21mm socket and long breaker bar or ratchet on the balancer bolt to attempt to turn the engine over.
 
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JJbrew85

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Okay tomorrow morning ill get under and clean all the wires and connections, ill let you know how it turns out
 

turkeybird56

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All U did was replace, re-hook up hoses, and now all U hear is a single thunk. ALL wat Karlsweg said, I am just repeating actually.

Unless the starter just went bad, sounds like a "juice" problem, IMHO. Check all ground connections and insure clean, and tight. U might wanna check and confirm cables on starter tight (I am thinking a loose power cable somewhere in the electrics to the starter), and corrosion free also, just all IMHO.

ADDED: Just turning over the engine with a Breaker Bar to insure for some unknown reason not seized may make sense also.
 
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JJbrew85

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Well there was alot of corrosion at the end of my wires which i cleaned the best that i can and still nothing. I don't get it, i don't know whats going on... The only good news so far is that my engine turns so its not seized.
 

Fast69Mopar

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Well there was alot of corrosion at the end of my wires which i cleaned the best that i can and still nothing. I don't get it, i don't know whats going on... The only good news so far is that my engine turns so its not seized.
Well, I would give the starter a tap-whack-rap-tap with the hammer and try the key again.

I would also go to the starter relay and remove the cover of the relay so you can activate the relay manually. Close the contact on the relay and see if the starter spins the engine over.
 
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JJbrew85

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So i just found somethinh thst caught me off guard... Everything i see says somethinh about 3 wires going to the starter... Im only finding 2, am i suppose to have a 3rd? And if so where is it suppose to be coming from? I have searched around threw vicinity and I'm not finding a lose wire anywhere. But i have the plastic connector and one wire tgat comes our of the same bundle that i tighten down on the copper bolt... Suggestions?
 
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JJbrew85

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I'm thinking thst maybe it might be the reason for the no start. ?
 

LoneWolf3574

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So i just found somethinh thst caught me off guard... Everything i see says somethinh about 3 wires going to the starter... Im only finding 2, am i suppose to have a 3rd? And if so where is it suppose to be coming from? I have searched around threw vicinity and I'm not finding a lose wire anywhere. But i have the plastic connector and one wire tgat comes our of the same bundle that i tighten down on the copper bolt... Suggestions?
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/3rd-gen-parts-manuals-and-2003-2004-service-manuals.6504/
 
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JJbrew85

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Thank you for that i can use that for a couple things... But it just doesn't wanna go... Its like the starter wants ti start it but nothinh else is working with it
 

GTyankee

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Found this, he checked the battery to check voltage
Then checked Starter for voltage
Disconnected the Negative Battery post
Removed the starter & took it to get it tested

 
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