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Art_Davis's avatar
Art_Davis
Explorer
Jan 20, 2020

Jump Start Question

I am now on my third battery in our 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. On the two times I replaced the battery the symptom was a bit unusual. Turning the key would not even produce a relay click---stone cold dead. I tried on both occasions to jump start with a 'jumpit' with no luck. I even tried taking one battery terminal loose and starting with the jumpit alone, but no luck. (The jumpit was freshly recharged.)

Has anyone had this experience? In the past I have seen battery failures much less sudden, getting at least a slow crank of the engine. I am mystified by this and would appreciate any clue.

It seems that my carrying a jumpit in the truck bed is useless!
  • Yosemite_Sam1's avatar
    Yosemite_Sam1
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2020
    2oldman wrote:
    3rd battery in 10 years is about normal.


    And we are just discussing in my thread batteries lasting 12 years (In my truck and some others) and others going 20 years! LOL

    Actually, my cars would have those battery lifespan of 3 to 5 years. And when they go dead, no crank, no click no nothing -- just dead.

    As to the OP issue, yes, test your battery. Mine did not start when the voltage drop is considered minuscule. Reading of 12.1V.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jan 20, 2020
    Most newish vehicles won't start, or even crank, when the voltage gets below a certain point. So basically it starts fine at 12.3 volts, but the computer says "No Way" at 12.2 volts.

    I'd be checking the alternator, and/or starter. What was the voltage when the truck wouldn't start? I'm sure it wasn't "stone cold dead", you did check the voltage didn't you?

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