My son bought a 2012 Ram Tradesman 4WD 4.7L. About 6 weeks after he bought it, it suddenly stopped cranking, meaning it would not turn over. He had the starter tested and it failed. Bought a new one and installed it, wouldn't crank.
I live in Ga, and he is in Ct. so while I was up there last week I was trying to help him with it. We had the battery tested and the new starter tested. Both tested good. You can hear the solenoid engage and the motor moves a little but not enough to turn over. For the life of me it acts like a weak battery but the battery is good.

After the second attempt to start it, the check engine light comes on. P0706. Transmission Range Sensor. Would this code prevent the engine from cranking?

What else could the issue be?

 

Will it turn the engine over if you short the main power feed to the starter to the solenoid pin?

 

No. We used a remote start switch and it won’t turn over.

thanks for the reply.

 

That's not a good sign..... Might try taking the serpentine belt off, and trying again......

 

I thought the same thing. I checked coolant. It was normal. Checked oil it was normal. Pulled the coil overs and top plugs. Rotated motor by hand and it moved easily. I’m really thinking electrical but can’t narrow down the culprit.

 

Well, since even with the remote switch, it cranked slow, think I would look at the ground path first. Make sure the starter has a good clean surface where it mates to the engine, and that any engine ground straps are good as well.

Might try a starter draw test..... see what that shows. If amp draw is really high, that would indicate the starter is having a hard time turning the motor.... But, that *shouldn't* be the case.

 

Thanks for the replies. Not sure how to perform a starter draw test. Any links to how to?

 

Need the appropriate meter to do the test...... Might be able to rent/borrow one from your local parts store. I am sure there is a video on youtube on how to do the test.