1999 Dodge Ram Truck will not start

RDABATE

MEMBER
1999 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hello,

First a quick electrical note. The radio was staying on even if the keys where not in the ignition. A mechanic looked at it and said the computer might be bad. He also said that the trucks computer can get expensive. So I got a new radio and had them find alternative power (that shuts off).

Everything was working fine.

The truck sat for about a week.
I tried to start it and nothing happened at all. Battery was dead.
I hooked up the jumper cables and let it sit for a while to charge it up.

When I try to start the truck, it tries and tries, but will not turn over.

Any suggestions?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,787 POSTS

Is there a check engine light on? Will it start using starting fluid?

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Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 AT 5:54 PM

RDABATE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No check engine light is on. I have not tried starting fluid.
However, I borrowed a die hard battery charger from my father in law. Kept it plugged in to the trucks batter for about 24 hours. It started after a few cranks, but I'm not sure if the problem will return. I'll try starting it tomorrow.

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Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 AT 10:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,787 POSTS

Hi:
If it happens again, try the starting fluid. The reason is to determine if the fuel pump isn't working. If it starts with the fluid and not on its own, then it's not getting gas. It's just a way to eliminate one potential cause (fuel Pump). Also, if it doesn't start with the starting fluid, check for spark. Based on the problem you had with the radio, I'm questioning if the ignition switch may be going bad.

Regardless, if it happens again, let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 12:48 PM