Dodge Ram Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Introduction

Dodge Ram won’t start? No need to stress. As a qualified auto mechanic with over 20 years or experience repairing Dodge Ram’s, I can quickly diagnose and fix your no-start Dodge Ram.

My name is Robby, and in this article, I’ll apply my experience to reveal the usual suspects for Dodge Ram non-cranking problems – drained power cell, wonky alternator, etc. I’ll share pro guidance to mend your Dodge Ram in no time, what products, parts or tools can help in different situations, and when to contact an auto mechanic.

My real-world guidance will help you avoid high auto shop fees and get back on the road fast and correctly. I’ll provide preventive care hints to prevent future no-start issues also.

Understanding Why a Dodge Ram Won’t Start

Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s important to first have a grasp of the issue. When you realize to yourself “my Dodge Ram wont start”, this could be because of various things being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not firing up at all, potentially it is cranking partially however then not starting, or maybe you can hear a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can indicate various issues with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your Dodge Ram Won’t Start

There are various contributing reasons why a Dodge Ram won’t start up. These problems usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system issues, along with electrical or circuitry complications. Every one of these problems can show up as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.

Symptoms of a Dodge Ram That Won’t Start

Being able to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in finding the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your Dodge Ram still wont start, it is often an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Dodge Ram Won’t Start

The first step to finding a practical solution to the problem is knowing the root cause of that issue, so let’s explore the most typical reasons your Dodge Ram can’t start. A lot of this information is transferrable to other car makes also, so it doesnt make if it a Dodge Ram or a Genesis won’t start, with this handy guide you always be prepared!

Dodge Ram Battery Issues Can Cause Starting Troubles

In most cases, the most common reason why your Dodge Ram wont start is, in many cases because of your car battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you have to charge your car’s battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery provides the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Dodge Ram. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Dodge Ram, can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your cars dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle, and a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.

Alternator Issues Can Cause Dodge Ram Starting problems

The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can certainly stop your Dodge Ram from starting as it will not have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down until it’s dead and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Dodge Ram and it refuses to start. Signs that your cars alternator may be faulty can be a lit up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while its running.

Dodge Ram Starter Motor Failures

The starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Dodge Ram. If the starter motor is faulty in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your Dodge Ram wont start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not often by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding sound during the startup, or your car only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

Dodge Ram Fuel System Complications

Now we’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Dodge Ram uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it needs a combination of both fuel and air. If your Dodge Ram problems are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine may not be getting the fuel it needs to get the car started.

Dodge Ram Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Today’s modern Dodge Ram’s rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older vehicle, you can have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged sensor and more. These can be some of the numerous electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your vehicle wont start. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can vary greatly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Dodge Ram can start however only intermittently or various alert lights come on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will need the skills of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips For When Your Dodge Ram Can’t Start

When you have diagnosed what the reason for your Dodge Ram troubles are. The next step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some tips for the common issues we’ve covered previously.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Dodge Ram

If you think it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason why your Dodge Ram has difficulty starting, then the first thing you need to do is inspect the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water.

Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:

• With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Dodge Ram’s battery.
• Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
• Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.

If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, you will need to replace the battery if it’s old or weak. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Dodge Ram, it will likely deplete quickly again in the not so distant future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Dodge Ram model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Dodge Ram, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.

If charging your Dodge Ram’s car battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Dodge Ram

If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting problems, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle to start up temporarily (you may need to jump start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery . It’s most likely because of a problem with the alternator if you notice that your Dodge Ram dies right away when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may harm the sensitive electronic components in your vehicle, so in this case best to seek advice from a professional mechanic locally or online, prior to ever attempting this.

How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Dodge Ram

Its likely an issue with your starter motor if you can hear the clicking sound, however the engine does not crank. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.

How to Resolve Fuel System Issues in a Dodge Ram

If you think the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the car. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. If you are unable to hear this sound, then it might be there is a problem with the fuel pump. If you notice your Dodge Ram is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional car mechanic in order to effectively fix.

How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Dodge Ram

If you think it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Dodge Ram starts after this, then it was an effective, easy and low-cost repair! If the car doesn’t start, even intermittently, it could be a problem with the ignition switch itself. It may be a faulty sensor if numerous warning lights are lit up on your dashboard. These problems can be very complex and a professional car mechanic is likely required to diagnose and have it properly repaired.

How To Prevent Dodge Ram No Starting Issues

As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you hopefully avoid any Dodge Ram starting troubles ever again!

Routine Upkeep of Your Dodge Ram:

Routine maintenance of your Dodge Ram is essential to preventing future problems. This consists of things like regular oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your Dodge Ram inspected by a reliable car mechanic regularly. You can consult a mechanic in your area or online if you are uncertain or confused about the routine maintenance tasks needed for your particular automobile.

Drive Your Dodge Ram Frequently:

If you happen to leave your Dodge Ram stagnant for long periods of time without driving it, the battery will run out of charge as it’s not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try to drive your Dodge Ram regularly to keep the battery charged. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you have not driven your Dodge Ram in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging to the long term life of the battery, try not to do this.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs:

If you observe anything out of the ordinary like uncommon noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights lit up on your Dodge Ram’s dashboard, do not disregard them and get on with your day. These can be early indications of an issue and it’s best to be attended to ASAP before they become much bigger problems down the line. Speak with a car mechanic locally or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be dealt with.

When to Ask a Dodge Ram Mechanic Online

Instead of Googling searches like “mechanicanswer.com” all day long looking for solutions, there is an easier way. If you want to save time, want a professional Dodge Ram mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you have tried to fix it by yourself, however regardless of your best efforts your vehicle wont start, then chatting with a Dodge Ram mechanic online can be a great option.

Benefits of Online Mechanic Services

Ask a mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous benefits. You can get skilled Dodge Ram mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly helpful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers quickly, which is fantastic if you’re in a rush, require a second opinion, or you just prefer having a specialist Dodge Ram mechanic on hand.

How Services Like Mechanic Answer Can Assist You

Mechanic Answer connects you with accredited expert mechanics who can offer instantaneous help, guidance and suggestions. You have the ability to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask a Dodge Ram mechanic limitless questions, and even submit photos and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you prefer. The Dodge Ram mechanic will help you identify the problem, guide you on what are the best options for your individual situation and even guide you through basic maintenance and repairs every step of the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion when your Dodge Ram wont start, it will likely be a total bummer and a huge inconvenience. However, understanding what may be causing the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a big help. Keep in mind that regular upkeep is key to avoiding all vehicle issues.

If your Dodge Ram troubles persist despite this guide, you can always use our mechanic chat service 24/7 365 days a year

Dodge Ram Won’t Start Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my Dodge Ram doesn’t start?

First off, do not panic. Attempt to identify any signs that could show a problem, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is most likely one of the typical causes gone over in this guide. If you can’t find the problem yourself, you will require the assistance of a Dodge Ram mechanic in your area or online.

How to tell if my Dodge Ram wont start because of the battery?

Signs of a battery issue in a Dodge Ram include the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If the battery is weak or old, it may be best to just swap it for a newer one.

How can I prevent my Dodge Ram not starting issues?

In order to ensure this inconvenience never ever occurs again, routine maintenance is crucial. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning it’s terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended / needed, and having your Dodge Ram inspected by a mechanic regularly. It’s also a fantastic idea to drive the car regularly so the battery remains charged.

Can I ask a mechanic online if my Dodge Ram wont start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instant professional Dodge Ram mechanic help and suggestions, without you needing to leave your house. If your Dodge Ram will not start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially useful.

How can services like Mechanic Answer help if my Dodge Ram wont start?

We link you with accredited expert Dodge Ram mechanics who can supply recommendations on your particular circumstance. You can tell them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can properly show the issue and explain it. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, identify the issue, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.