Won't Start, Not the Battery - 2022 Built to Serve/Bighorn 1500

[LaramieGrrl]

Background: I love Ram 1500s. I've had 13 of them over the past 30 years. Only one with a bad battery (a 2017 Bighorn whose battery crapped in less than a year) but this doesn't appear to be a battery issue and I don't know what I might be facing.

Eight months ago, I purchased a 2022 Built to Serve 1500 with 36,000 miles on it. It currently has 41,000 miles on it. Haven't had any problems until yesterday morning when I went to go to work and it wouldn't start.

Truck is parked outdoors. Temps here are not that cold: It's been a fairly steady 27F. I tried multiple times and maybe the 10th try, it turned over so I drove it to work. Went to re-start it and NOTHING. Lights come on but pressing the Start button just gives a click or nothing at all.

Tried to jump from a jump box. Nothing. Tried traditional jumper cables. Nothing. (I've since read on this forum that this was a bad idea??)

Removed the battery and had it tested at local auto store where it showed it was 67%. Store charged it to 100%. Reinstalled the battery and still wouldn't start. Tried the Start button multiple times, quickly, and it FINALLY started and I was able to drive it back home. The dash read, "STOP/START Not Ready. Engine temperature too low" and once I turned on a little heat (on the lowest setting) the dash read " STOP/START Not Ready Cabin Cooling or Heating". I ignored those because the truck was running, so I drove it home. I shut it off, then tried to restart it and nothing. Lights come on but nothing happens. At least it's in my driveway now.

I've read through similar posts on trucks of different years. Any idea what it could be? I want to have an idea in mind before I have to have it towed to a dealership (unless I can magically get it started and take it to a dealership). Neither of the two Ram dealers near me is particularly reputable and the dealer I purchased it from is ab 45 minutes away (too far for a tow $$$ and even if I get it started, I don't feel safe driving it on the freeway that far). I don't want to get lied to by a dealership service dept. I have read a LOT on this forum and trust your knowledge first to give me an idea(s) of what the problem might be.

 

[tron67j]

The battery being well discharged could be a couple things. First, did the store load test it? The battery could be fine with volts but low in amps. Have a dealer load test it with proper equipment. Second, low voltage, the 67% number you mentioned, could be indicative of a failing alternator, have that tested as well. Third, check all of the fuses to be sure they are seated properly and also clean and tighten all major connection points, mostly the grounding connections but also positive between alternator and battery as well as starter. And finally, once all this is done and, confirming battery is good and charging properly, test voltage after each long parking period to see if there is a draw in it while parked. You may have something drawing power when it shouldn't be and your battery just got to the point that it can't hold enough to start it.

Good luck.

 

[DanAR]

It is probably under warranty - right? I suspect if you can manage to get it started, that it will run until you shut it off based on your experience so far. Can’t guarantee that but at least if it craps out half way to the dealer your tow bill will be a lot less. I would get it to the dealer - that’s what the warranty is for. If it’s just a battery you may have to pay for that but it sounds to me anyway, that there is more going on here (or not going on) than just a weak battery.

Do you have another vehicle you could swap it’s good battery into the truck to test it?

Is this an e-torque truck?

 

[huntergreen]

The part that you said you pressed the start button multiple times leads to believe it’s not a battery issue, though not a certainty. Are you still covered by roadside assistance ? If not I think towing is you best option. Doesn’t sound like a drivetrain issue, so maybe a local mechanic.

 

[coobie]

My 2025 Laramie 1500 battery lasted 1 year.Replaced with AGM under warranty .

 

[LaramieGrrl]

I appreciate the replies so far. Thank you

The 3/36 warranty is done because I'm at 41000miles

Yes, it's an eTorque. My first eTorque.

Going to purchase a battery and drop it in to see if it works enough to get it running.

If others have more ideas or experience, I would love your thoughts as well.

 

[RamDiver]

I appreciate the replies so far. Thank you

The 3/36 warranty is done because I'm at 41000miles

Yes, it's an eTorque. My first eTorque.

Going to purchase a battery and drop it in to see if it works enough to get it running.

If others have more ideas or experience, I would love your thoughts as well.

Before you spend $ on a battery, make a smaller investment in a valuable test item.

A toaster-style battery load tester is very inexpensive ($18) and will provide definitive results on the battery's status. And, they're painfully simple to operate.

Connect to the battery and hold the load switch for 5-10 seconds (depending on model), and read the scale.

The parts stores use digital testers, and are prone to false positives.

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

PS: I suspect the battery is at fault, but I refuse to replace parts when testing is inexpensive and a great learning opportunity.

Plus, firing a parts cannon at faults often results in wasting time and money. In any electronics system, there are many tiny variables which could lead us down the wrong path.

Testing helps to rule out the variables.

.

 

[tron67j]

Exactly above, don't go replacing the battery until you test what you can, if you buy one and still have the problem it is a waste of money.

 

[LaramieGrrl]

Installing a new battery did not work. Still just lights and a click. Any other ideas of what it might be?

 

[Wild one]

Installing a new battery did not work. Still just lights and a click. Any other ideas of what it might be?

Buy yourself the tester listed above,and test the "new" battery,as these days you can have a dud right from the get go.
Crawl under the truck and give the starter a couple good swats with a hammer,and see if anything changes,wouldn't hurt to have somebody holding the start buttom down while you hit the starter with a hammer.Just don't go all gorrilla when you hit it with a hammer

 

[RamDiver]

Installing a new battery did not work. Still just lights and a click. Any other ideas of what it might be?

Follow Wild one's directions in post #10.

While you're under there, confirm the wiring connected to the starter is clean and snug. Sometimes the large wire from the positive battery terminal becomes loose and fails to supply sufficient current for the starter motor to function correctly.

.

 

[LaramieGrrl]

I missed your replies before I gave up. Thank you everyone who replied. It was 23°F and windy AF today, so I wasn't up for digging out the snow and crawling under... I caved and had it towed to a dealership in another town (neither of the two dealerships I mentioned in my first post). I'm worried, of course, but will wait to see what they say. I'll update once I hear from them.

 

[Rlaf75]

I would suspect that if you push the start button and you have lights and dash functions and youre only getting a single click that its the actual starter that has failed.

 

[LaramieGrrl]

She's home. Those who guessed Starter were correct. Battery is just fine. Thank you very much for all the replies and help

 

[RamDiver]

She's home. Those who guessed Starter were correct. Battery is just fine. Thank you very much for all the replies and help

Thanks for the update.

I'm happy to hear that you're mobile again.

.

 

[CumminsRocks]

Background: I love Ram 1500s. I've had 13 of them over the past 30 years. Only one with a bad battery (a 2017 Bighorn whose battery crapped in less than a year) but this doesn't appear to be a battery issue and I don't know what I might be facing.

Eight months ago, I purchased a 2022 Built to Serve 1500 with 36,000 miles on it. It currently has 41,000 miles on it. Haven't had any problems until yesterday morning when I went to go to work and it wouldn't start.

Truck is parked outdoors. Temps here are not that cold: It's been a fairly steady 27F. I tried multiple times and maybe the 10th try, it turned over so I drove it to work. Went to re-start it and NOTHING. Lights come on but pressing the Start button just gives a click or nothing at all.

Tried to jump from a jump box. Nothing. Tried traditional jumper cables. Nothing. (I've since read on this forum that this was a bad idea??)

Removed the battery and had it tested at local auto store where it showed it was 67%. Store charged it to 100%. Reinstalled the battery and still wouldn't start. Tried the Start button multiple times, quickly, and it FINALLY started and I was able to drive it back home. The dash read, "STOP/START Not Ready. Engine temperature too low" and once I turned on a little heat (on the lowest setting) the dash read " STOP/START Not Ready Cabin Cooling or Heating". I ignored those because the truck was running, so I drove it home. I shut it off, then tried to restart it and nothing. Lights come on but nothing happens. At least it's in my driveway now.

I've read through similar posts on trucks of different years. Any idea what it could be? I want to have an idea in mind before I have to have it towed to a dealership (unless I can magically get it started and take it to a dealership). Neither of the two Ram dealers near me is particularly reputable and the dealer I purchased it from is ab 45 minutes away (too far for a tow $$$ and even if I get it started, I don't feel safe driving it on the freeway that far). I don't want to get lied to by a dealership service dept. I have read a LOT on this forum and trust your knowledge first to give me an idea(s) of what the problem might be.

My 2021 did the same thing. Starter toast. Replaced starter and bought a jumper harness to bypass the engine stop / start when not moving. Stupid Mopar design!

 

[Mdeans09]

Background: I love Ram 1500s. I've had 13 of them over the past 30 years. Only one with a bad battery (a 2017 Bighorn whose battery crapped in less than a year) but this doesn't appear to be a battery issue and I don't know what I might be facing.

Eight months ago, I purchased a 2022 Built to Serve 1500 with 36,000 miles on it. It currently has 41,000 miles on it. Haven't had any problems until yesterday morning when I went to go to work and it wouldn't start.

Truck is parked outdoors. Temps here are not that cold: It's been a fairly steady 27F. I tried multiple times and maybe the 10th try, it turned over so I drove it to work. Went to re-start it and NOTHING. Lights come on but pressing the Start button just gives a click or nothing at all.

Tried to jump from a jump box. Nothing. Tried traditional jumper cables. Nothing. (I've since read on this forum that this was a bad idea??)

Removed the battery and had it tested at local auto store where it showed it was 67%. Store charged it to 100%. Reinstalled the battery and still wouldn't start. Tried the Start button multiple times, quickly, and it FINALLY started and I was able to drive it back home. The dash read, "STOP/START Not Ready. Engine temperature too low" and once I turned on a little heat (on the lowest setting) the dash read " STOP/START Not Ready Cabin Cooling or Heating". I ignored those because the truck was running, so I drove it home. I shut it off, then tried to restart it and nothing. Lights come on but nothing happens. At least it's in my driveway now.

I've read through similar posts on trucks of different years. Any idea what it could be? I want to have an idea in mind before I have to have it towed to a dealership (unless I can magically get it started and take it to a dealership). Neither of the two Ram dealers near me is particularly reputable and the dealer I purchased it from is ab 45 minutes away (too far for a tow $$$ and even if I get it started, I don't feel safe driving it on the freeway that far). I don't want to get lied to by a dealership service dept. I have read a LOT on this forum and trust your knowledge first to give me an idea(s) of what the problem might be.

My 2021 did the same thing. Starter toast. Replaced starter and bought a jumper harness to bypass the engine stop / start when not moving. Stupid Mopar design!

My 2021 rebel had the same issue, tried starting and just a click. Sometimes a jump would help it start, until it didn’t. Had the battery and alternator checked, changed the battery, had to get it towed when it finally gave up the ghost. Turned out to be a bad connection on the starter. Had the starter changed and so far no further issues.

 

[bjayscanlon]

A starter gone bad on a 2022. Gee, I'm 65 and I've never had a bad starter on any car or truick I've owned. What a world. Makes me wonder about my 2023. Naw, I won't worry.

 

[Dusty]

Background: I love Ram 1500s. I've had 13 of them over the past 30 years. Only one with a bad battery (a 2017 Bighorn whose battery crapped in less than a year) but this doesn't appear to be a battery issue and I don't know what I might be facing.

Eight months ago, I purchased a 2022 Built to Serve 1500 with 36,000 miles on it. It currently has 41,000 miles on it. Haven't had any problems until yesterday morning when I went to go to work and it wouldn't start.

Truck is parked outdoors. Temps here are not that cold: It's been a fairly steady 27F. I tried multiple times and maybe the 10th try, it turned over so I drove it to work. Went to re-start it and NOTHING. Lights come on but pressing the Start button just gives a click or nothing at all.

Tried to jump from a jump box. Nothing. Tried traditional jumper cables. Nothing. (I've since read on this forum that this was a bad idea??)

Removed the battery and had it tested at local auto store where it showed it was 67%. Store charged it to 100%. Reinstalled the battery and still wouldn't start. Tried the Start button multiple times, quickly, and it FINALLY started and I was able to drive it back home. The dash read, "STOP/START Not Ready. Engine temperature too low" and once I turned on a little heat (on the lowest setting) the dash read " STOP/START Not Ready Cabin Cooling or Heating". I ignored those because the truck was running, so I drove it home. I shut it off, then tried to restart it and nothing. Lights come on but nothing happens. At least it's in my driveway now.

I've read through similar posts on trucks of different years. Any idea what it could be? I want to have an idea in mind before I have to have it towed to a dealership (unless I can magically get it started and take it to a dealership). Neither of the two Ram dealers near me is particularly reputable and the dealer I purchased it from is ab 45 minutes away (too far for a tow $$$ and even if I get it started, I don't feel safe driving it on the freeway that far). I don't want to get lied to by a dealership service dept. I have read a LOT on this forum and trust your knowledge first to give me an idea(s) of what the problem might be.

Delete

 

[Sherman Bird]

A starter gone bad on a 2022. Gee, I'm 65 and I've never had a bad starter on any car or truick I've owned. What a world. Makes me wonder about my 2023. Naw, I won't worry.

I was playing with my new PICO oscilloscope some years ago, and decided to perform a relative compression test on my own truck.
This test reads the starter current in waves as each cylinder goes through it's compression stroke, and one can look and see if one or more cylinders differ from the others, which, if different, would indicate lower compression than the others.
If all the ripples are at the same level, it indicates even compression in all cylinders.
During the test, I could see a huge downward spike on every 8th wave. I had a dead winding in my starter, yet, it cranked the engine just fine! I was glad that I hadn't gotten stranded somewhere; because it was imminent!