Why won't my truck start even though battery seems to be in good shape

bill_krishaanbill_krishaan Member Posts: 3
edited June 2016 in Ram
I purchased this 2014 Ram 1500 3.6L V6, 4X4 Crew Cab about 1.5 months back, from CarMax with about 20k miles. Beautiful vehicle; everything has been great until this morning when I tried to start the vehicle using the remote start feature. Yup, the remote start failed to crank the starter and get the vehicle started. Next, I got into the car and tried starting the car with the key fob. This failed too. Upon trying to start numerous times, I only heard clicking sounds from the engine compartment, but nothing else. Note: all the other lights in the car, including the radio etc. seemed to operate normally. Also, the charging system light and SERV 4WD came on. I waited about 2 minutes and tried to restart the truck using the fob. This time, the truck started! However, the charging system light and SERV 4WD stayed on. Next, I drove the truck around the block just to see if it does so without stalling. That short drive was fine. But when I brought it back to the driveway and turned it off, I have not been able to restart the car since. The AAA guys came to jump-start the truck. They said the battery looked fine but somehow the ignition key was not being “recognized” by the system. Since AAA roadside assistance could not start the car, we towed the truck to our local mechanic.

The local mechanic tried a number of things but was not able to get the car started either. He also indicated that the battery looked fine since the voltage seemed to be at 12. At this point, the mechanic suggested I take the truck to a Dodge Ram dealership. Since then I have had the truck towed to the World Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, here in Shrewsbury, NJ. So, now I am waiting for that much dreaded call from the dealership’s service department.

It's a beautiful vehicle; but this is worrisome behavior. What do you think is going on with this truck? Is this problem relatively common with this make and model year? Appreciate insights and advice. Thanks in advance.

Answers

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    A standing "12 volt" battery should actually put out 13 to 14 volts when not under load. Surely all the mechanics knew that though. (link)
  • bill_krishaanbill_krishaan Member Posts: 3
    Stever, thank you for your response. It would be a relief it it turned out to be the battery.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, keep your fingers crossed but a battery test is pretty basic. Not sure why your first mechanic didn't think that was the problem.
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