2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Trouble Starting When Wet.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 09-25-2018, 12:19 PM
redwind's Avatar
redwind
redwind is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Trouble Starting When Wet.

I have a 1994 Ram 1500 5.9l and for some reason when it rains. When I turn the key dash lights light up but no sounds from the motor. Start is good because if I leave the key on run and supply 12v to the trigger on the starter the truck starts right up. I supplied 12v to the starter relay and head the clicking (I still need to do a continuity test to confirm contacts are still good).

To my knowledge the only things I am left with (if relay is truly good) is ignition switch or wiring issue.has anyone experienced this issue?
 
  #2  
Old 09-25-2018, 02:27 PM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,681
Likes: 0
Received 3,171 Likes on 2,924 Posts
Default

Does the relay even click when you turn the key? If not, I would be looking for an issue between the ignition switch, and relay.
 
  #3  
Old 09-25-2018, 03:44 PM
redwind's Avatar
redwind
redwind is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Not sure. I'll have to find someone to give me a hand to test that.
 
  #4  
Old 09-26-2018, 09:35 AM
wrnchbndr's Avatar
wrnchbndr
wrnchbndr is offline
Professional
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: NJ
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Next to the battery is the power distribution center where the starter relay lives. In my '97, there are two other relays for different systems but they are all the same part#. You can swap these relays to see if the problem goes away.
 
  #5  
Old 09-26-2018, 12:36 PM
redwind's Avatar
redwind
redwind is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thats good to know that I can just swap the relay. I'll have to wait for the next rain. When it is dry everything works as it should.
 
  #6  
Old 09-27-2018, 09:27 AM
redwind's Avatar
redwind
redwind is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Had some rain today with trouble starting again. I swap the relay with the one for the fuel pump. Still not even an attempt to start. So it looks like it's definitely either wiring or ignition switch.
 
  #7  
Old 10-22-2018, 10:50 AM
redwind's Avatar
redwind
redwind is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

So I replaced the ignition switch and I am still having the issue. I am assuming that it is an issue with a wire, Does anyone know if a 94 would have anything "anti-theft" in it (I doubt it do to its age)?
 
  #8  
Old 10-22-2018, 03:08 PM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,681
Likes: 0
Received 3,171 Likes on 2,924 Posts
Default

No anti-theft stuff that I am aware of. (at least, not factory.....)

How is the gasket between the firewall, and hood? Is it all there?
 
  #9  
Old 10-23-2018, 09:56 AM
redwind's Avatar
redwind
redwind is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The seal is still soft with no cracks, it has become somewhat flat over the past 24 years but still appears to make a seal.
 
  #10  
Old 10-23-2018, 12:52 PM
MoparFanatic21's Avatar
MoparFanatic21
MoparFanatic21 is offline
Legend
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Received 306 Likes on 298 Posts
Default

I don't think that is your problem. I have no seal and a big hole cut in the cowl that water can drip from. Maybe open circuit on wires?
 


Quick Reply: Trouble Starting When Wet.



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:21 AM.