Truck will not turn over

Tiny
RNHNSLY1
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • 174,000 MILES
My 1500 model truck will not start. It has power and cranks but will not turn over. I replaced the fuel pump, got a new battery, and replaced the spark plugs. When it quit running on me the truck just (what felt like) it ran out of gas, however I have a full tank. It is a new fuel pump and I can hear it when I turn the key. But still will not start. I am stumped.
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 10:26 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
"Crank" and "turn over" are the same thing. Based on the parts you listed, I am going to assume it's cranking but does not run. If that is correct, have you read and recorded the diagnostic fault codes? Disconnecting the battery will have erased any that were stored, and that valuable information would be lost. Some of the defects that can cause a crank/no-start will not be detected again just from cranking the engine. They often will only set while a stalled engine is coasting to a stop.

Do you know how to read the fault codes yourself? Start with that. Next, you will need a test light, then I will describe how to test for proper automatic shutdown, (ASD) relay operation.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
RNHNSLY1
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  • 4 POSTS
I just tried to start the truck and it sounded like the starter just went out, started cranking strong then died off to nothing.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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So we have a cranking problem. Do you hear a single, rather loud clunk from the starter each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank"? Do the head lights and/or interior lights dim or go out when trying to crank the engine? Have you checked for loose or dirty battery cable connections?
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
RNHNSLY1
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No not a clank or anything like that, it is almost like it loses power when trying to start the truck.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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What happens to the brightness of the lights? If they get dim or go out, suspect dirty battery cable connections.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
RNHNSLY1
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  • 4 POSTS
No never loses power just doesn't turn over and feels like the starter doesn't have power
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
Check for 12 volts at battery terminal on starter, the end of + cable
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 AT 12:39 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Your description of the symptoms isn't helping. If you hear a single, loud clunk from the starter, and the lights do not dim very much, there is likely a bad connection in one of the battery cables. There are a couple of ways to diagnose the circuit, but you're going to have to take some voltage readings. The first one is to put the voltmeter's negative probe right on a paint-free point on the engine block, and the positive probe on the larger terminal on the starter solenoid. That's the one with the positive battery cable attached to it. For best accuracy, that probe should be right on the stud, not the terminal bolted to it.

You're going to find 12 volts there I need to know what it drops to when a helper turns the ignition switch to "crank".
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 AT 5:54 PM

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