Resistant Starter: SureTrack Community Fix

by Nick Taylor

Real Fixes from Mitchell 1’s SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair orders and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Intermittent starting issues can certainly be frustrating and can lead to fear of being stranded. SureTrack community member grizz81 had a RAM 1500 pickup in their shop that would randomly be hard to start or would start cranking then stop. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Jamesbellam and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2012 RAM Pickup 1500 5.7L

Title
Intermittent no start, replaced battery cables.

Complaint
Customer states that truck will not start intermittently.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced

Starter will engage for split second, click and then nothing Happens randomly and if you then turn key 3 times to click starter, the truck starts. Monitored voltage at relay and found when condition happens no voltage at PCM terminal on relay to turn on starter. TIPM data says vehicle is not requesting crank. Went to PCM data and found the same, ignition switch crank signal not present. Previous shop replaced ignition switch and starter with OE parts from Chrysler. Truck can go a week with no issue and then act up. Again 3 attempts with click only, then cranks and starts. No data or memory losses in vehicle. All instrument panel lamps stay illuminated and no systems have codes. Has had new node module and starter replaced. Also previous TIPM replaced for other concerns. Looking for some help, possible bad switch? This is very intermittent but when it happens always takes 3 turns to crank position to engage starter.

Best Answer from Community Member Jamesbellam 

You may want to perform voltage drop on both battery cables. Sometimes internal corrosion cannot be seen but when tested found resistance to be to high.

Cause
Performed voltage drop test on battery cables and found both of them to have high resistance indicating corrosion issue.

Correction
Replaced battery cables, cleaned battery terminals. Truck now starts consistently.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.