2007 w/ 85K miles working perfectly. Wasn't driving it, so put it on a batter tender in the driveway. A month later I try to start it and nothing.

Turn the key, no noise, not even a click. The only thing I see is a red bullet light turn solid when I have the key in the start position. This tells me that the ignition switch is working (?).. because the computer is getting signal from ignition.

There are no ODB2 codes.

Checked the battery at parts store with load tester. Battery rated 850 CCA, it tested 400 CCA. I know the battery is pretty old, but all accessories work fine and its not cold outside so I would at least expect some noise from the starter. A month ago the truck would start with gusto. (This battery did drain dead a few times from disuse before getting the tender.. I don't drive it all the time)


Does anyone know the meaning of that red bullet light on the right side of dash? Its solid when turning the key. Is there a diagnostic chart somewhere? When starting a 3rd gen normally, does that red light turn on when everything is operational, or is it an indication of a problem?

Truck has the mopar factory security system with pulsing light that I installed myself after getting the truck 13 years ago. I can arm/disarm, put in valet mode etc. Is there an immobilizer on this year truck that might fail? I've tried both keys, no difference.

Shifting through the gears makes no difference. The transmission sensor seems to be picking up correctly.

I was not able to find a starter relay. I checked all the fuses in the engine bay, lifted up the box and did not find a relay underneath where they are on earlier third gens. Are there any fuses in the cabin? (Didn't see any)

My next step will be to check the low current signal to the starter, to see if its ignition side or if its battery/starter related. I'm hoping its the starter, because if its in the ignition column and there aren't any codes, I really need to know the meaning of the red bullet.

 

Betcha it’s the battery.

 

The day before I sold my truck, I accidentally left the hood light accessory (Light Under the front hood) on overnight, and that drained my battery. It left me with the red light on the dash just like you. I then jumped the battery, and my truck fired up with no issues after that. I agree, that it sounds like the battery. Try replacing the old battery with a new one.

 

Maybe. Its charged up at 12.5V and the test showed 400CCA. Seems like that should be enough at 60*.

Battery has drained down before and the starter was sluggish. Now its a 12.5V and the starter isn't doing anything.

 

What color is your key?

 

black, traditional key with remote lock.

 

If the battery is good and there is a red light that is a circle. That means the ignition is locked out or loss the key code to start the vehicle. It could also been a bad ignition switch too. Unplug the connection and check the your connection for any melted wires.

 

I turn the key and the small red light turns on when key is in start. Turns off when key goes back to on.

According to the manual, when the motor starts, that light goes on for two seconds. If there is a problem with the sentry key, the engine will start for 2 seconds and then cutoff.

What do you mean the ignition is locked out? How would it lose the key code for both keys? Is there a way to do a reset?

 

Thats what is means. Too maybe unlock it you need the key code and the scanner to do it with. Then hook up a battery charger for 1 to 1 1/2 hours with the key in the on position. Clean any all key code and re-program. If the key fail, then the key needs to be replaced.

 

Even if the key was bad, the engine would start. It will cut out after 2 seconds. You get 3 tries, then it locks you out until you disconnect the battery.