The story:
My 1999 Ram 2500 sometimes starts immediately and sometimes not. The panel lights and idiot bells come on strong. When I turn the key over, it may start normally, it may turn over and then stop abruptly or it may not start at all. When it doesn't start there is no noise at all. If it doesn't start, I can try again in 10 minutes and it may start normally. Do I replace the starter?

 

Sounds more like a flaky relay. It might be the start relay or the ASD relay. It's an easy enough thing to test: Swap one of the two with another relay from a circuit that's not been giving you trouble, and if the symptom moves (or magically goes away) replace the faulty relay. If the symptom doesn't move or go away, repeat the test with the other relay. That'll get ya going again in most cases, but if it doesn't it's time to resort to electrical troubleshooting.

Good luck!

 

What is a relay and where is it? Is that the same as a fuse?

 

The relays in question are in the PDC (Power Distribution Center) under the hood on the driver side fender, just rearward of the battery. There's a legend on the cover that will tell you which relays are where.

No, a relay is not a fuse. A relay is an electromechanical device consisting of an electromagnet and one or more sets of switch contacts... The Wikipedia authors have already written about it, so http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relay.

You might want to snag the factory service manual for your truck.

 

Thank you for the info! Got the manual. I'll check it tomorrow and report back.

 

Also be sure to check your Grounds! I had a similar issue and I had a bad ground wire, reattached it and the truck started fine

 

Check your relays first because that is the easiest. This sounds like it could be the starter solenoid, motor brushes, or armature if what you are saying is the starter works fine sometimes. Sometimes the starter will turn the motor then stop, and sometimes the starter will not turn at all. When it does not turn the motor are you sure there is not a click when you turn the key? The starter solenoid can act like that if the connections are loose, very dirty, or corroded. If there is no click, it could be a flaky solenoid. Make sure your electrical connections to your starter are clean and tight.

 

How old is your battery ? Dirty Connections ? Test and clean if needed .

The fact it offers no reaction on times makes me think the NSS (neutral safety switch) may be faulty . Perhaps try starting it in neutral next time . Check for operational reverse lights , more common with a NSS issue .

Starter test : Next time it happens , carefully jump the connection and see it it starts .

I'm think another possibility would be a loose connection at , or bad connection at , the ignition switch .

Reseating all fuses and relays is just good practice . I do it on all 'new to me' vehicles . Makes me feel better if nothing else , lol .