I have a 2003 1500 Ram Quad Hemi purchased new. Problem: For about a year when the outside ambient temperature reaches about 80+ degrees F and the truck has run a while and the ignition is then turned off it will not restart immediately afterwards. About 9 months ago the local dealer installed a new ignition switch ($200) that at the time I didn’t believe was the problem. As I suspected, it didn’t fix the problem. I suspect the problem is related an increased underhood temperature to one or more of the underhood relays that have to function (open/close) during engine startup sequence. I have noted that on a hot day of driving after I park and turn off the ignition if I raise the hood to allow heat buildup to dissipate for 15-20 minutes the engine restarts. As a note: When the engine doesn’t restart immediately after shutoff, after 15-20 minutes cooldown time the first restart try doesn’t work; however, the second restart attempt does work. Under the same conditions if an immediate restart isn’t attempted, after the cooldown period the engine restarts on the first attempt. This appears to me to be some type of relay temperature reset problem possibly between the ignition switch and starter, not between the battery and ignition switch because all the idiot lights work but the analog gauges don’t respond unless the engine starts. Does anyone have any experience with a similar type problem, the dealership (service writer) thinks the ignition switch is bad again. If you should happen to see a 2003 Ram in a Mall parking lot during the summer with the hood open, it could be me.

I think the service writer is bad, he doesn’t listen to the customer and he doesn’t take notes of symptoms to pass on to the line mechanic and I would bet that he doesn’t remember our detailed conversation.

 

I just wonder if the starter is overheating. Yiu need to start at the starter and work your way back with a test light/volt meter when in a no start condition to see where you are losing voltage.

Oh, and welcome to the forums

 

+1 on the advice and the Welcome!