I have a 1993 Dodge RAM pickup truck. The battery on it is 3-5 yrs old. This morning, I took it out for a quick errand after not driving it for a month or so.

Drove great and the voltmeter reading looked good. Battery warning light didn't come on.

I decided to leave it parked in the driveway to cool off before pulling it into the garage. About half an hour or so later, when I went to start it, the lights and buzzers come on when I turn the key (as does the voltmeter, which is about 2/3rs of the way towards center). However, when I go to turn it over, I get nothing. Not even a clicking sound.

I checked the battery cables just to be sure, but I am thinking alternator or, more likely, starter?

Mike

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On 28 Sep 26 18:16:50, Mike Powell said the following to All:

I checked the battery cables just to be sure, but I am thinking alternator more likely, starter?

Possibly ignition?

What is the voltage of the battery?

Nick

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On 2026 Sep 28 18:16:50, you wrote to All:

I checked the battery cables just to be sure, but I am thinking alternator or, more likely, starter?

don't forget about the starter relay... mine on my Expedition gets stuck sometimes so i poke a screwdriver across the terminals and kick the starter over... then it works for a while... until it doesn't and i get the screwdriver out again...

side note: i do have a replacement starter relay but haven't felt the need to change it out... yet ;)

)\/(ark

"The soul of a small kitten in the body of a mighty dragon. Look on my majesty, ye mighty, and despair! Or bring me catnip. Your choice. Oooh, a shiny thing!"
... Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slower to become angry.
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* Origin: (1:3634/12.73)

On 28 Sep 26 18:16:50, Mike Powell said the following to All:

I checked the battery cables just to be sure, but I am
thinking alternator more likely, starter?

Possibly ignition?

Another possibility for sure.

What is the voltage of the battery?

Well, I don't have a meter of my own to check it, and have not removed it to take it anywhere yet, so the the best I can do is say the voltmeter on the dash is about 2/3rds of the way to "center," with center being the optimal reading. 2/3rds puts it well into the acceptable band.

Mike

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* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * KY, USA (1:2320/107)

On 2026 Sep 28 18:16:50, you wrote to All:

I checked the battery cables just to be sure, but I am
thinking alternator or, more likely, starter?

don't forget about the starter relay... mine on my Expedition
gets stuck sometimes so i poke a screwdriver across the
terminals and kick the starter over... then it works for a
while... until it doesn't and i get the screwdriver out
again...

The terminals on the relay? I will locate that and check it.

side note: i do have a replacement starter relay but haven't
felt the need to change it out... yet ;)

I guess when the screwdriver quits working. ;)

Mike

--- ScorpioWeb v0.39a (Linux/x86_64)
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * KY, USA (1:2320/107)

On 2026 Sep 29 13:52:24, you wrote to me:

I checked the battery cables just to be sure, but I am
thinking alternator or, more likely, starter?

don't forget about the starter relay... mine on my Expedition
gets stuck sometimes so i poke a screwdriver across the
terminals and kick the starter over... then it works for a
while... until it doesn't and i get the screwdriver out
again...

The terminals on the relay? I will locate that and check it.

yeah... mine mounts on the firewall... the face ha two large terminals... red positive cable from the battery to one and red cable to the starter... the relay would close the two terminals when working normally... the screwdriver does it externally...

side note: i do have a replacement starter relay but haven't
felt the need to change it out... yet ;)

I guess when the screwdriver quits working. ;)

LOL maybe... i've still got to clamber over the rear seats to rip the rear liftgate apart so i can replace the cable ends that open the gate or the window... they broke last winter... i think... i might do the starter relay when i do those cables and can get in the back where the relay is currently sitting with a few other parts ;) LOL


)\/(ark

"The soul of a small kitten in the body of a mighty dragon. Look on my majesty, ye mighty, and despair! Or bring me catnip. Your choice. Oooh, a shiny thing!"
... Too many preservatives: sliced bread that can be used as a place mat.
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* Origin: (1:3634/12.73)