Any suggestions on what to try next?
My 2008 3.7, auto, 4x4 started getting balky a few weeks ago. Started most of the time, then wouldn' t start. Sometimes needed to sit few minutes and would start, sometimes needed jump. Clicking on start up...sometimes. Charging system checked out ok. Had a battery drain, still does and I can't find it. Got new battery, cranked fine for a few days. Then started needing to be jumped again even when pulled negative from battery while sitting. New battery apparently had bad cell or was messed up by whatever gremlin is draining battery. 2 weeks ago got check engine code for charging system. Replaced new battery with another new battery under warranty, cleared code, did not get a new check engine light. Last week died in parking lot, clicked and died. Jumped, drove home and hasn't started since. Checked all fuses, replaced solenoid and starter relays. With full battery, nothing. Turned key, gages cycle twice and stay lit. Tried to start by jumping solenoid signal wire, nothing. Showing nearly 13 volts to starter. Replaced starter, turned key, nothing. Jumped starter, engaged but no fire. All connections are ok and not coroded. Replaced PCM today, still nothing. HELP!
Thanks.

 

You didn't mention it, but did you do anything with the alternator? Cause that's my first idea.

 

I doubt this is an alternator issue. It MAY be the issue the original battery drained but when you said the charging system checked good it points me to a bad ground connection. What specifically happens when you turn the key? does the fuel pump cycle when you turn on your ignition without starting? if it does I feel it's safe to eliminate a fuel delivery issue..

Next on my list would be to try and start the engine, does it turn over? if not, I would suggest removing, cleaning and reattaching the grounds(they may LOOK good but don't judge a book by its cover), if nothing improves I would move onto looking at the wires that engage the starter relay (the ones that come from the ignition module inside where your key goes) follow them down and check for shorts (especially where they go through the fire wall). also, if you have been through a lot of water check your connections for water penetration or check them in general.

If the motor does crank over, check and see if you are getting spark in the cylinders. if not check out the wires and such for that system (sometimes they can ground to the block or a surrounding metal object if the casing becomes too worn. if all looks good you might have an ignition timing issue that could involve anything from a faulty tps too a bad o2 sensor(i know some cars wont budge if one goes)

The trick I use for my dakota or on most vehicles is to break the vehicle down into its most basic systems and test/inspect each individually(in logical order), basically process of elimination.

 

hey, not so good with the new plat forms as the old but the idea is the same. it sounds to me like the alt was over charging and killing cells in the battery, also took out other fuseable link or fuses. i know this system as a maxi fuse that is flat before the main power input to the fuse block idk if it controls all power or only power to the starter but its something to look at as well. also i would be kinda pissed if my truck started doing this and would be calling dodge asking whats up because 4 years is way to fast for major issues

 

with old pcm, fuel pumo did not engage. new pcm, pump engages but will not turn over, no click, nothing.
all the grounds look brand new. what makes me think is not grounds is I get power to starter and can get the motor to turn by jumping starter to crank engine by shorting to signal wire. problem is even then no spark. thanks for your input. any other thoughts before I get towed to shop?

where is the maxifuse? I have checked all fuses and relays under cover in fuse box.

thank you.

 

the alternator has checked fine. thanks for your input?

 

check the wires comming from your ignition to the fusebox.. might have a short somewhere by the sounds of it.. hence why you can manually turn it over but your getting nothing from the key..