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Terry O.
New User
Dec 3, 2013, 7:37 AM
Post #1 of 8
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Intermittent "no crank"
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I have a 1995 Ram Van 318/Auto, 75K original miles with a weird Intermittent "no crank" issue.
Van usually cranks & starts normally. But I will get an occasional "no crank" usually when temperature is below 50 degrees.
Symptoms are as follows:
Dash lights (check engine, etc.) come on when key is turned to "ON" but will not crank when key is turned to "START" position.
Outboard push button switch between batt + terminal & solenoid "S" terminal will crank the starter.
Battery shows 12.75V.
Starter relay tests OK per dodge manual test
New Neutral safety switch on tranny tests OK per dodge manual.
Battery terminals are clean & tight.
As temp falls below about 50 degrees problem gets progressively worse.
What am I dealing with?
Is the Starter relay a temp sensitive device & showing the first signs of failure?
Any help is much appreciated.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 3, 2013, 8:26 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: Intermittent "no crank"
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When it doesn't want to crank, does the starter relay click when you turn the ignition to start? Does this have an aftermarket alarm system installed?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Terry O.
New User
Dec 3, 2013, 8:56 AM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: Intermittent "no crank"
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When it doesn't crank I get silence - no clicking.
No aftermarket alarm.
(This post was edited by Terry O. on Dec 3, 2013, 8:57 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 3, 2013, 11:40 AM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: Intermittent "no crank"
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You'll need to test for power and grounds in the starter relay cavity when the problem is occurring.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 3, 2013, 1:40 PM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: Intermittent "no crank"
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You seem to not be afraid of doing a few test; so what I'm going to suggest is connecting a test light to the S terminal of the starter and ground. If the test light lights and you have no crank it's likely the starter solenoid.
I've seen it before where the lubrication in/on the solenoid's plunger becomes like glue in the cold and will not allow it to close the main starter terminal.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Terry O.
New User
Dec 3, 2013, 2:04 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: Intermittent "no crank"
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"You seem to not be afraid of doing a few test; so what I'm going to suggest is connecting a test light to the S terminal of the starter and ground. If the test light lights and you have no crank it's likely the starter solenoid. "
Would the remote starter switch that I hooked up work if the solenoid plunger was the problem?
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 3, 2013, 2:20 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: Intermittent "no crank"
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No I guess not; good point.
So move back to the next switch/relay; like what Discretesignals said to try.
Sorry I didn't understand what you meant by "Outboard push button".
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Terry O.
New User
Dec 3, 2013, 6:24 PM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: Intermittent "no crank"
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I did a temp test on the starter relay. I removed it & put in the freezer for an hour or so to simulate cold conditions.
The resistance test between terminal 85 & 86 read 63 ohms when I took it out of the freezer. the manual sez it should be 75 ohms (it reads 73 ohms when warm). However when I re-installed it the van started as normal so I'm still perplexed.
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