How to Fix Dodge Ram 1500 Starting Problems?

Dodge Ram 1500 won’t start? Don’t panic! If you’re facing dodge ram 1500 starting problems, it could be due to the following: a bad battery, bad alternator, a blown fuse or relay in the engine bay, and/or an ignition switch that needs replacing.

The good news is that there are easy ways to fix any of these problems. In this article, we will teach you how to diagnose your Dodge Ram 1500 and get it running again.

Before we start with the diagnosis and fixes, let’s not forget to check the fuses. On many occasions, people panic over just a blown-out fuse that stopped the truck from starting. Make sure you check them all in the fuse box before trying anything else.

Why Dodge Ram 1500 Won’t Start Just Clicks Rapidly?

There are many reasons that may cause the dodge ram 1500 to not start but just click repeatedly. Here are those-

Battery Has Drained or Gone Bad

If the battery drains completely, your car will not start. Also if it is old and has been used for a long time, it may have gone bad. In case of a bad battery, you need to replace that with a new battery to resolve the problem.

However, if it is a dead battery, you will need to jump-start the vehicle with a battery charger and then use the alternator to recharge it and drive the car normally.

Power Supply Interrupted Due to Loose or Corroded Connections

Another reason why dodge ram 1500 is producing clicking noise repeatedly without turning over is a loose or corroded battery terminal connection. In case of a loose connection, tightening the bolt should do the trick for you.

However, for corrosion, you will need to clean the battery terminal and the connector so that the connection is good and the truck functions properly when you try to ignite the engine. Starter motor and other electrical components require a decent flow of electricity in order to work properly.

Alternator Has Gone Bad

This is another reason why dodge ram 1500 just clicks repeatedly without turning over when you turn on the ignition switch. The alternator produces power for your car when you are driving. When it is not performing well, the battery level will drop and there may be a problem starting up the vehicle.

In case of an alternator failure, you should replace it with a new one to get rid of the dodge ram 1500 starting issue permanently.

Why Dodge Ram 1500 Won’t Start Just Clicks Once?

If the truck just click once when you try to start it, this can be a sign of these problems-

Broken Starter Motor

This is one of the most common reasons why dodge ram 1500 just clicks once. Many people think that a starter motor cannot stop working suddenly but it can fail any time and this clicking sound could be its death rattle.

In case you hear the click, your best bet would be to get in touch with an expert who will diagnose the problem and replace the faulty starter motor or the starter relay with a new one.

Damaged or Broken Solenoid

The solenoid is another reason for dodge ram 1500 starting problems when it clicks once and then does not start up at all. This part can simply stop working due to high voltage, water, or dirt in the circuitry of this device.

If you have your truck in warranty, contacting the dealer is probably going to be easier for this job. Otherwise, contact a mechanic close to your residence to solve the issue.

Car Doesn’t Crank Over When You Turn the Key in the Ignition Switch

If you hear nothing when you turn the key, it means that there is a problem with your ignition switch. The fix for this would be to replace the faulty part.

It’s pretty easy to remove the faulty ignition switch and replace that with a new one. However, you need to be cautious while attempting this as tampering with the airbag screws can cause accidents.

However, this can be caused by the shifter getting stuck in a position as well. If you get in the truck and try to start it and it doesn’t budge, you may try to move the shifter. Many had this problem it worked like magic.

ASD Relay Problem

In some rare cases, the Automatic shutdown relay can also be a reason for dodge ram 1500 starting problems when it just clicks once. If you have an electronic ignition system installed in your car or truck, this part could fail and lead to no response from the starter motor at all.

Replacing this small machine will solve the problem as well but you would need to take the vehicle to a mechanic for this fix.

Other Reasons Behind Dodge Ram 1500 Won’t Start Issue

There are other reasons for the dodge ram 1500 not starting as well-

Fuel Pump or Fuel Pump Relay Malfunction

This is another common reason for dodge ram 1500 starting problems. If you have not driven your truck in a while, the fuel pump or the fuel pump relay could fail due to lack of use and this can be an issue with ignition as well.

Fuel Injectors Has Gone Bad

An injector problem is less likely but it could also be a reason behind dodge ram 1500 not starting up. If there are multiple cylinders failing to ignite, this issue can lead to ignition problems and your truck will just click repeatedly instead of turning over.

In order to fix the issue permanently, you would need professional help from an expert who has experience in this field.

Extremely Low Engine or Transmission Fluid

If the transmission fluid or engine oil is low, you can expect dodge ram 1500 starting problems. This issue has many symptoms such as slow acceleration and this could be a reason behind not turning over your car when you turn on the ignition switch.

Although a low fluid level generally doesn’t associate with starting issues, it can seize the engine and prevent the truck from starting up.

Bad Spark Plugs

The spark plugs are another reason as to why dodge ram 1500 just clicks once and then fails to start up. Although the repair for this issue is expensive, it should be done by a professional mechanic who has experience with these types of problems.

If you have already tried starting your car several times without success, getting in touch with a reliable technician is your best bet.

How to Fix Dodge Ram 1500 Starting Problem Temporarily?

If you are in a spot of bother in a place where you need the car to be up and running, then you may try this trick. While this has proved to be working for many people facing the same issue as yours, it’s not a guarantee as we are yet to find the reason why it works!

To do this, you’ll need to put your keys into the ignition and turn this over and hold onto the keys there for a few seconds. After a few moments, the truck should start.

Generally, you should see the truck up and running within 15 seconds, but in some cases, it can take 30 seconds or a full minute until the engine starts.

Getting Professional Help for Dodge Ram 1500 Starting Problems

If your dodge ram 1500 is not starting up at all, you should get in touch with a mechanic right away with the help of a tow truck to have your truck fixed before it gets worse and more expensive. On many occasions, the root cause of these problems might be something simple that can be fixed easily.