I would really like to avoid the expense of a tow, though it will probably come to that. I thought I would get some advice from people far more knowledgeable than myself.

My truck has been sitting in the COLD Chicago winter for easily over 2 months. This was obviously quite stupid, but I just had it sitting. I went to start it a few days ago and when I turn the key it goes “click, click, click.” The radio and dash lights remain on, but the engine won’t turn over.

I decided to try jumping it. When I jump it and give it some gas it turns over, but once I stop touching the gas the truck dies again. Again, the radio and dash lights remain on.

Does this sound like a battery issue? Maybe the starter? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

If it's been sitting that long, go get a new battery or charge yours. The battery is probably so drained that it can't even stay running. Jump it and hold the gas on it for a while to charge the battery. If it won't hold...probably need a new one. Anyone else have a different opinion?

 

sounds like starter to me. i would have your battery checked first just to make sure, but that what happened to mine.

 

Just keep the gas down the whole time? For how long do you think? The battery gage goes to about half when the key is in, if that matters at all.

 

Well the gauge measures volts, and not amps. I wouldnt call it your starter if it does crank over and runs until you let off the gas. As others suggested, I'd start with the battery. see if you can swap with another vehicle with equal or greater CCA (Cold Crank Amps) or charge yours.

 

Thanks! I'll see what I can figure out in the morning.

 

if the starter is turning the engine enough for it to crank up, then the starter seems fine.

Rabbler had a post recently about IAC's, and the pattern that after a dead battery, its common for the Rams to not idle properly. He said the IAC's start going bad, but the adaptive memory (big word) of the PCM could adjust for the weak IAC and keep on pluggin away. However, when the battery goes dead and the pcm loses its stored parameters, then it defaults to the factory settings which cannot compensate for the bad IAC. He said that given enough time the pcm might relearn the bad IAC, but it could take hours, or days or longer.

just keep jumping it and holding your foot on the gas and trying to maintain 1000 rpm. if your battery is any good at all, it should begin to recharge and might relearn your IAC. you may be looking at needing a new battery, and maybe a new IAC too.

 

started solonoid, check starter fuse happened to me

 

Sounds like bad starter, but check all your fuses and batt connections first.
Mine just went.
On the coldest day of the year
While I was out of town
On a business trip
In my dress clothes
On my way to a meeting
In a strange town

I had to tow big Red to a shop and PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO FIX IT!

First time ever someone else had EVER worked on my truck.
Guess her cherry is finally popped

 

changed my starter in fifteen minutes.... but it was dead and i knew it has anyone thought about his alternater my camaro had sat for a min and boom it just went and then the battery did a day after i replaced the alt. when running pull ur pos. cable off ur batt. and if it dies ur alt is shot if not back to square on if u can get it running drive it to the nearest advance auto parts they can test the battery and alt for u for nothing... that may lead u in the right direction.....j