2011 Ram 5.7L Big Horn suddenly won't crank. Replaced battery w/ no change; all fuses check OK, check engine lite on but no codes recorded. shows lighting bolt for few seconds. Need help what to check next.

 

Do you have push button start or an ignition key switch that you place a key/fob in? If you select the "Acc"essory position do the power windows and radio work?

-Rod

 

Get your battery tested.

 

I have the ignition key switch with key fob. I replaced the battery with a new one yesterday. Problem still exists. I checked the run/start relay and it had the 12volts to the relay, I tried to start by shifting the transmission to neutral with same result. All power equipment items work, radio, windows, door locks, lights etc. When I attempt to start I can hear a noise under the dash which I believe to be a ventilation system flapper being shifted to either an open or closed position. Lights on the instrument display all come on for the few seconds for the bulb check which includes the lighting bolt system but it will go out after a few seconds but the engine symbol remains lit and will start to blink. I hook up an OBD reader but no Codes appear.

My original battery was weak I know. I feel this was the source for the problem but now that I have replaced it and nothing has changed I am at a loss at what the cause for the problem could be.

 

I'm not sure why the engine symbol starts to blink. Normally a flashing check engine light indicates an emissions issue, but if the engine hasn't yet started, I don't expect that to be the case.

The next thing you might want to try is to tap on the starter motor housing a few times, then try again. Maybe the starter motor is worn out and tapping on it will temporarily re-seat the brushes or solenoid contacts and allow the engine to start. Beware though that if this is the case, it's a debugging tool and the starter will again fail to start the engine at a most inconvenient time.

-Rod