Electrical, Battery & StartingBuild journalCommunity Starter

No crank, lights work, then it suddenly starts

V8Geek89Community StarterAug 31, 20262024 Ram 1500 LimitedOrange County
Twice this month I turned the key/button and got lights but no crank. After trying again a few minutes later it started normally. Battery connections look clean. Starter relay, brake switch, starter itself, or something else? I'm in Orange County. I'd rather test this logically than start replacing parts.
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6 replies

TruckNomadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2024 Ram 1500 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
TrackShopper30Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2024 Ram 1500 does it — then decide on parts. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Orange County. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. Checking again after work.
MileageHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2024 Ram 1500 does it — then decide on parts. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “no crank, lights work, then it suddenly,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
TruckNomadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Ram 1500 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. That's the branch I'd chase this week. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
NorthCamper68Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 1, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, get a real battery/charging test on the 2024 Ram 1500, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? This is the version I'd tell a friend.
TruckNomadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 2, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2024 Ram 1500 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
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