I have had this happen on two occasions now.
My truck will randomly not start. No click or turn over or anything. Get lights on the dash but nothing when i turn the key.

Then all of a sudden on maybe the 8th try or so it fires right up without a issue?

Opinions on what this could be?

 

you see the lights draw when you turn the key to start? if so it could be the starter hanging up...

 

Sounds like an open somewhere in starter circuit.

 

Have you checked your battery terminal connections??? This is a classic symptom of corrosion between the cable loop and the terminal or corrosion in the cable itself just above the terminal. Clean that up with some baking soda and/or consider replacing the terminals on the cables. Also check the electrical connection between the battery and starter, it is a large cable and make sure it is tightened down well to the starter.

If all of that is good get a load test on the battery and check your starter relay.

 

check fuel pressure

 

Sounds like a starter issue. Start with your battery then check your starter. Also, do you hear the fuel pump when you turn the key?

 

I had that problem with my truck and if I got out and jiggled the battery and connections then the truck would fire right up. A few months later my batter kicked the bucket without any warning. Since the new batter I haven't had any issues.

 

Had the same exact thing happen to my truck . The very first time it done it a few years ago , i had driven to the cemetery with some family members to plant flowers and tend to my sisters grave site , and when we were ready to leave i hit the key and nothing happened - no start , no lights , no radio , no nothing , talk about spooky stuff !! Of course everyone thought i was messing with them untill they tried starting the truck , my youngest sister was calling for help when i tried one more time starting it , and it fired up like nothing was wrong ! Since then it got progressively worse until i was afraid to drive it anywhere i didnt want to be stranded at . I had replaced just about everything related to starting the truck -- ign switch , batt , suspect cables & grounds , sensor in the trans , everything EXCEPT FOR THE STARTER , because it would actually start the truck ( and a new one too expensive ) i figured it for being good , but i still had the problem . When the only part left to replace with new was the starter -- i bought one ---- and a new starter fixed the problem , hasn't done it since !!! Replace your starter with a new one = problem solved !!

 

Mine did it the otherday the contact disc inside it will start to pit and whatnot and it just makes a single click and hold the key a sec and try again and the 2-3 rd time it will rotate enough to find a good spot on it to allow power threw and start the truck I did it once and never had another problem with it

 

^^ This...

I had the same exact thing happen to my 02 Dakota. I would turn the key, hear the fuel pump, accessories would come on, no engine. I would try 6-7-8 times and it would finally turn over.

It got progressively worse through the course of a couple months... finally replaced the starter and haven't had the issue since!!

Usually the easiest solution is the correct one!!