Dodge Ram 1500 no crank / no start diagnosis and repair

This 2004 4.7l Dodge Ram 1500 had an intermittant no crank/no start. Instrument cluster self test revealed no communication with the PCM. Wiggling the wires at the Integrated power module and PCM seemed to help but eventually it refused to crank at all. Problem was traced back to a worn through PCM B+ wire.
Applies to 02-08 4.7l Ram trucks with an NGC computer.

[@michaeldepow6663]

My friend spent hundreds at a mechanic for diagnosis and still wasn't fixed. I came across your video and asked him if I can take a crack at it. 10mins later I drove it to his girlfriends house and layed on the horn until he looked out. They came outside jumping up and down. Now I'm his best friend in the world! Lots of free drinks from you video. Lol

[@tomconner5067]

You did a good job at detailing your step by step troubleshooting protocol. Your process of elimination was on point and thorough. You did not suffer from tunnel vision yet, you avoided getting sidetracked, that takes mental discipline and attentiveness but wouldn’t work without a general grasp of the vehicle control system’s functionality (ECM, PCM, ECU Modular components through K-can, Can Bus, etc.) educating yourself made tracking the issue from a knowledgeable perspective giving you the ability to take the most efficient and direct approach. I am a critic of critics, but you have done what was necessary without beating around the bush too much, great way to reduce simplify factor and solve. (Algebra is a mindset, metaphorically speaking)

[@bradleycaldwell1768]

I really like the methodical and logical way you traced the problem down. This video will help me diagnose my problem of intermittent stalling. Thank you!

[@bradleycaldwell1768]

Mine isn't the same problem. Mine stalls after starting. Dies and won't start unless I shut key all the way off and then turn it on. I will restart but die. Some times right away some times dies a mile or ten down the road. Any Ideas?

[@endever8764]

I'm about to go take another crack at my truck here and I already want to say thank you- knowing where to look in a truck (much like in life) is so very valuable. We may not have the same problem, but if you help me by showing me this, than that is truly teaching a man to fish!

[@83cleveland]

I'm having the same problem with my 2006. I'm going to let it cool off some and go to work on mine. I think that wire affects my AC as well because my AC works in spells. I'm hoping that my problem is that simple. Keep me posted.

[@Northshoredigestonline]

Great job diagnosing and explaining this issue. Thank you!

[@johnmartin2575]

Good one. Saved me a lot of money. I couldn't figure out why it had no power to the starter.I checked fuses and relays. Good ole KZbin, I pulled this plug out and pushed it back in and away it went. I hate mechanical problems.

[@garyleegray1015]

No 87

[@madelineweichel2761]

I have a 2004 ram 1500 4.7l Exact same problem as this, Now thanks to Pfun I have a Wire hooked to the PCM Fuse and it feeds the B+ PCM Wire. Truck runs and drives like a dream. My dodge almost got retired but not yet thanks to Pfun41!

[@mobilemechanicmitch1269]

Best and most specific on point video I have seen. I have 4 injectors bad and it’s 1000% from the same wire harness. Now I have to find the wires. Unfortunately. It’s waaaaayyy behind the motor and should be fun. I will have a little video myself soon! Thank you again! 🎉

[@jimlindberg298]

THANKS!!!!!!!!!! Having same issue on 2008, Dodge 2500. Spent several hours online. Did all the recommended things, disconnected battery and so on. Found your video, went right to the same harness the exact same spot and exact same wire. Saved serious time and money. Thanks for your detailed video.. DATED Aug 31 2017

[@Jamiir215]

I was on the road and my truck started smoking,,, it is low on oil but I just added two quarts and it still won’t start. What should I do ?

[@stephencochran1504]

2008 Dodge 1500 v6 I have to turn key switch 10 times to get started. Any help would be appreciated.??

[@AptFlickz]

Was that a no start situation

[@stephencochran1504]

Starter relay failed in fuse box under hood under fuse pannel.

[@freddwoodburn4592]

Well done

[@Determined187]

I have an 2005 dodge ram with a 4.7 had the same problem and almost replaced my fuse box then found this video. Thank you for this it saved me a whole lot of money.

[@robertzack1635]

you not the only one

[@patrickmercado3330]

Excellent description. Great video capture. Nice technical background info about CanBus. Took my piece O crap to a reliable and fun truck again. Plus, the old lady is not on my case fir buying a “project” truck. Saved me a ton of cash and I am a more knowledgeable mechanic. Thank you Sir !

[@chancebl5300]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Mine was the exact same thing. Down to the red Rubing wire under the tape. Once again THANKYOU!!!!!!!

[@Pamela6743]

Great video.... our 2005 Dodge Ram was Down for three days.... came across this video after troubleshooting.... and viola.... it’s running.... wires are good.... the connection was just loose.... good grief.. Thank You🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻❤️

[@jacksmiththeboss]

great video im have both p0685 and p0688 codes and your video might just make figuring out my problem a lot easier

[@andrewclaydon4760]

I am having pretty much the same issues that you were showing. I will be checking my pcm wires right away. Thanks for doing this video.👍

[@keithbigmunee4296]

Hey my man. Cant thank you enough for this video. It's the only one out there with the solution to powerless pcm. I was trying for hours to figure out what it was when I came across this video. I cant find were my wire went bad so I disconnected it and ran a jumper. Problem solved. Thanks again bro...

[@shortbedgameskreshfulloffi1826]

What do you mean ram a jumper just got a 12v signal to send power to that wire?

[@jesstheone231]

You never hear someone say "the issues have progressively got better! "

[@Bung-hole]

Thank you for this video I was having the same problem turned out it was rats chewed wires under fuse box mechanic to come look at it said no chewed wires possibly faulty pcm watched your video started checking wires and found it! Thanks again

[@Silverhorn2]

Great video, thanks for the share. It's all about persistence, logic and patience.

[@billmcgrath7289]

This video SAVED MY BUTT! You rock. Bad wire on the B+ to ECM, so I bypassed it, truck is running!

[@waliee3660]

You my friend are the man! It works I have had no problems! Thank you so much

[@yapatmitch]

If I could like this video 1000 times I would. Exactly what my prob was!!! Thx so much.

[@josephrodriguez3703]

I have the exact same problem I’m glad I found this thanks dude

[@OverlandOne]

Very good diagnostic skills. Ironic that your video was in my feed right now because today, my 1998 dodge B1500 van 5.2 liter today just clicked the solenoid once whenever I try to start it. No crank/no start. Everything lights up and battery is sitting at 11.9 volts. I think maybe the starter is hung up so am going to hit with a hammer a few times tomorrow. I was driving a friend's blazer once and the same thing happened and I hit the starter with a hammer and it fired up so I drove to the auto store and got a new starter. If that is not it, then I am going to have to go through the same procedures you did except my knowledge is not as comprehensive as yours is with the van's wiring. Thanks for making this video.

[@556colt]

Thanks for this! I have the same problem on my 04 ram. Gonna use this video to re-tackle this issue tomorrow.

[@Dodge-jn2me]

Y'all this video help me , found the problem , corrosion in the main firewall connection it's bolted in the middle with a 7mm bolt , pull them apart and there it was , main feed wire to pcm (small red wire with white stripe) corroded off the connecter soldered piece wire to two end fixed the no crank no start . Good luck . Thanks for your video

[@jmymosr5699]

great job at least now i know where to start looking for the problem

[@user-dn8yz6cd2g]

Got a 2004 2500 - will have to try some of this stuff cuz two mechanics have given up on it after multiple starters and ignitions replaced.

[@benniedonald]

Great job explaining this problem.

[@dudeman3986]

You're pretty smart and patient.. you speak very clear.

[@spelunkerd]

You've got pretty good diagnostic skills for an amateur. I'm a little surprised the voltmeter picked up the problem when no current was flowing.

[@tomconner5067]

Voltage has a tendency to decrease when current begins flowing, Volt is a unit measurement of electrical PRESSURE, Amp is a unit measurement of electrical FLOW and an OHM is a unit measure of electrical RESISTANCE. think grease gun, vs. grease fitting in sub zero temperatures and a clogged grease orifice add pressure and grease escapes from the gun tip until the pressure is lower than the resistance of the tip to fitting pressure tolerance (rub theough in the wire)

[@00pmeza01]

Very informative, thank you

[@javieradorno6342]

Thanks a lot.had the same issue but underneath the fuse box! And stupid me went and got a new starter.lmao

[@robertzack1635]

wow good stuff I gotta say good job .

[@javerlozep162]

Great video share a lot information thank you

[@joedukes9760]

I had a no crank issue with my 2005 Ram 2500 with the Cummins 5.9. I had recently ( 1 month +/_) replaced the alternator and both batteries. On two separate occasions the truck wouldn't crank. first time after a minor amount of messing with jumping it, it started. The second time, the passenger side battery was dead so i charged it and the truck clicked but wouldn't crank. After doing some KZbin inspired troubleshooting and checking the fuses, all good, I swapped the starting circuit relay with a parking light relay and the truck started right up. Time will tell if that is my full issue, but thanks for the troubleshooting ideas, your video was very helpful.

[@rwkrauss6054]

I'm having the same issues with my 2010 dodge dakota ! I hope i can resolve it as easy as you did. I've owned 6 dodge trucks and every one has stranded me and been a pain in the ass! I've had 6 chevys and.6 fords and none of these caused me the aggervation that my Chrysler products have !!! I finally understand why chrysler has been in the craphole for so many years. I'm going back to chevys ASAP.

[@nmcculloch1846]

I have 05 5.7 with same issues: no crank, no shift indicator light, battery is fine, etc. Thanks for this video (i think LOL), I’m not mechanically inclined, but I’ll have to check the wires & harnesses boo LOL

[@olddirtyburt7522]

Great diagnosis

[@MagixScience]

Same exact symptoms with my Dodge Dakota. I'll check this out also after I check the normal tests. Great video and great work sir!

[@SODAKFORD]

Blacken the Cursed sun did you find out the problem on your Dakota?

[@B.V.Luminous]

@Consciousness Science So.... How did it go?

[@MagixScience]

I don't remember honestly. 5 yrs ago... Only thing I recall is.. I smacked the dash twice, it fired up and never had an issue with that since. I suspect a loose wire or w/e. Good ol Russian fix I suppose.

[@cherylkirk7242]

Nice job, Dodges are crazy

[@freemasondynastysynthetics2787]

well said.. thanks for the info,, I'm having same type issue,,

[@davefranco3811]

Thanks man. Super helpful

[@superchargedx8058]

Superb work

[@blllbuilder64]

Nice, mine didn't have same contraption but it had a 30amp fused wired in that I found blown while looking for contraption lol

[@TheBantam59s]

thank you for this information, i had the same exact problem. However i wasn't able to find the break in the wire, but i was able to run a new wire to the pcm and she started right up!

[@skyreilly3271]

My ram 1500 conversion van won't crank a comes o. When turn key bat terminals get so hot melts terminals in second wtf no wires touch also nobus on no wires burnttouch just spark and Tim when turn key her I

[@thomas25082]

@@skyreilly3271 shorting out break touching ground somewhere

[@davedodge7761]

Great job

[@RealTechSkills]

Good work.

[@matthewroberts6147]

Having issues with mine as well. Have an aftermarket viper alarm was told that was the issue causing it not to start going in auto theft mode but to replace the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition switch. I replaced it nothing. But there’s a ground wire underneath where the hood latch is. Lights turn on fine but won’t start. I disconnect the ground wire the truck starts but the headlights are turning on backwards. Off comes on and parking lights it goes off. I’m not sure what to do anymore. I disconnected the alarm but still same issues

[@RobertQuintan]

Well, I guess this and issue on Rams, the 2013 work truck that I used to drive did exactly the same thing, is been in dealership for 4 weeks now and still couldn't figure what's wrong. One week ago the 2014 my brother's personal truck did the same, it's going to dealership on Friday, I might show them this video

[@micro61micro]

Thank you May I say great video Compliments to the chef 😁😎

[@sirandlatrecehervey1482]

Did it fix your problem?

[@micro61micro]

No I have up It was for a client My final diagnosis was He needed his alarm remote Told him the truck thought it was been stolen and that's why it wouldn't start lol

[@sirandlatrecehervey1482]

@@micro61micro do you have a video about doing that?

[@micro61micro]

@@sirandlatrecehervey1482 doing what

[@sirandlatrecehervey1482]

@@micro61micro of what the truck was doing before hand

[@stevesisson4886]

Thanks man... Great video

[@stevemiller9667]

Q

[@waynehutchinson1423]

How did you have the wiring schematics?

[@tonytinsley1428]

My son’s ‘13 Ram 1500 is doing all kinds of weird stuff. Like sometimes he opens the passenger door, and truck starts on its own. Sometimes it won’t start at all. Skipping/stuttering. Sometimes runs great. Shop ran diagnostics. He said: Code B2209, “occupant restraint controller interval 3”. $2,600! WTW? Stumped in SC.... Any suggestions Sir?

[@jamesbailey7785]

Hey guy grt vid. I had to retire the ole plow truck last year and am wanting to get into something a bit more manuverable for the little plowing I do for friends and a couple church lots. I'm looking at a 1999 Dodge Durango SLT leather with all bells and whistles and 180 tho miles. Story is a middle age lady drove it daily and it just quit on her one day, 5 years ago. It would and still will crank but no fireup. A mechanic in her area looked at it and said Fuel pump or computer and if computer big bucks.She just used her other car and It sat for almost 4 years. The people in my area who bought and towed it home, have put fuel pump, timing belt and are at a loss as to next so they want to sell. I am fairly handy with a wrench. I'm not sure why they felt timing belt and am being cautious as to how much I believe. I am going to look at it. I have looked at vid's of many more knowledgeable than I and feel it worth a gamble. Best; Tom

[@jamesdoty1734]

James Bailey ]

[@darylcollins2972]

Are you sure it has a timing belt?

[@robertyoung6320]

Nice

[@genemay6001]

It took changing my starter relay to cure the same problem with my 2006 Ram 1500. I also replaced the starter relay.

[@genemay6001]

I also meant to say I replaced the starter solenoid

[@matthewroberts2450]

I replaced my battery, alternator, starter and fuses before I found this

[@georgep4950]

good job

[@dudeman3986]

Pine hollow auto diagnostic is a great youtube channel for wiring info

[@Jamiir215]

I was on the road and my truck started smoking,,, it is low on oil but I just added two quarts and it still won’t start. What should I do ?

[@hellahighvalry]

can this cause the truck to go into anti theft mode? we ran it through one whole day at night time wanting to start it up did not crank only lights turned on and anti theft code was shown on radio but doesn’t ask for code

[@roberttyrrell2250]

DUDE.... Thank you.

[@rickystutts6028]

GOOD JOB .

[@smilylog101]

Where did u find the wiring diagram for this

[@redbluffautodismanling696]

I HAVE A 2003 WITH THE 5.9 GAS ENGINE. WHERE DID YOU WIND THE WIRING DIAGRAM? MY TRUCK DOESNT HAVE THE WIRES ROUTED LIKE YOURS.

[@pfun41]

5.9? I'm pretty sure they only had the 3.7,4.7 and 5.7 in this generation. 5.9 should have been up to 2001. I found a factory service manual pdf on a dodge forum.

[@chadwardlow8020]

What scan tool do you use?

[@randylowery4017]

I had the same problem with my 2012 Dodge Ram . I got under the hood charged the battery and nothing. So I puked all the fuses out one at a time also relays . Got back in the truck . Turned the ignition and she fired up. Running ever since.

[@wyattoneable]

I appreciate the great break down of your approach. I'm currently troubleshooting a similar issue. Can you tell me NGC stands for? I've not been able to find that information. Thanks.

[@pfun41]

new generation computer

[@nickmontano9645]

Not going to crank!

[@brittanymuse2343]

thanks your videos help a lot

[@bouldernelsonbigfoot]

U the man

[@castledomeknives9395]

Thanks for the video....where did you get the wire schematic??

[@pfun41]

Factory service manual, found it in pdf form with a bit of googling, can't recall where it was now though.

[@castledomeknives9395]

@@pfun41 thanks a lot... I'll start googling....i wish i still had my ALL DATA ACCOUNT

[@leoreynoso5458]

I have a same problem you are your fix my problem thank you very much

[@mike2012swag]

I have a 2008 dodge ram 1500 5.7 L just got it from the shop (Garber Dodge ) after they had it for 8 months because the engine they put in supposedly had a timing chain issue that they never informed me was fixed until a call out of blue saying " we need our loaner car back truck doesn't have any problems " well fast forward after the shop I noticed that everyime I cranked the truck and let go of the key it would continue to crank until it finally took off, 1 week later I'm driving on the road and it shuts off now there isn't any crank at all ,called the service manager and they are continuing to run me in circles. At this point I'm wondering if this issue with my truck and if I'd be better off trying this method

[@pfun41]

It sounds like there's other problems at play.

[@RomansGuitar03]

Mine was at 11 at night in a Walmart parking lot too!!

[@SpcIsrael]

I changed my ignition module (its the electrical connection to the ignition switch), y would the fuse suddenly start blowing for it. Makes no sense, i cant figure out where the over load is

[@johnhardin5168]

I have a dodge 2001 ram 1500 5.9 4wd that will only start with a scanner plugged into the computer port. What can be the problem with that?

[@pfun41]

Probably an issue with the communications line for the various modules.

[@ronnybarela]

I wish I knew where you get your resources. It’s tough to find schematics and pin layouts and such

[@pfun41]

Lots of searching and hoping it pops up.

[@MicsMugz519]

Great job buddy just boughtva 2005vram hemi 1800 hood shape start problem he says so I'm assuming this will be a fix hr tryedxeverythungvhexssid

[@thomascimini2254]

Nice job finding the issue.

[@lildave122868]

04 ram hesitates on acceleration

[@coachcomscimiller76]

Same with my 08

[@magdaramon4251]

Hi Phil where is the fuel filter

[@Noeg27]

I’m having the same problem with my truck I need to check the wire

[@eyesofhaze]

I've had this happen on my 02 ram Took 3 shops to figure it out..finaly dealership found corroted wire

[@killahaze89]

2010 ram 1500 5.7L hemi SLT .... Replaced alternator and new battery ..started ran for bout 5 mins and then all gauges went crazy and died .. also battery drained really fast ... Wtf should I do??

[@lewiscleveland4661]

Been having ghost problems with my 2000 1500 they come and go think next time I'm under the hood I'll inspect those cables.

[@BigE1983]

Thank you thank you so much buddy saved me a lot of money

[@cutty-mg3kf]

👍

[@chavochavez3462]

How did you check the voltage on the wires

[@pfun41]

Multimeter on the pins at the connectors.

[@ivanflores6958]

Will the PCM mess up if I disconnect it?

[@pfun41]

no

[@DenHoak]

96 dodge ram 1500 3.9l solinoid clicks. Engine does not crank. After turning on and off for three minutes engine runs fine. Any ideas??

[@pfun41]

No experience with that generation or engine but could be a faulty starter solenoid.

[@cristiancuevas5477]

I’m having the same issue with my 05 ram 4.7 it starts one minute only for it to not start the next and have the shift Indicator mark reverse instead of park and won’t go in neutral I got mess with the fuse box or and it goes back to normal and starts. Then stalls I also have my air bag light on and the check gauges light flash the battery is brand new had to replace it after the positive wires going to the starter cought on fire

[@wingsfan63]

Same issue for months now. I was able to slam the door or smack the dash and it would pop over to park. I just replaced the shift solenoid pack (integrated into the valve body of our trans.) Didn't solve it. Just got a new battery cause the posts were terribly corroded. Still not showing park or neutral. This is days now.. every other time it's corrected itself. Anyway, if you figured it out plz let me know carnal.

[@brad27281]

Would this be just like the 07 Dodge Ram 1500 hemi

[@pfun41]

yes

[@josealvarez9236]

Did a red light flashed when it couldn't start?

[@carlosmendez6985]

Did you get it figured out?

[@josealvarez9236]

@@carlosmendez6985 yea thanks!

[@jorgelizarraras7740]

Jose what was your problem? I have the same red light flashing.

[@josealvarez9236]

@@jorgelizarraras7740 I figured it out that it had something to do with one of the battery terminal connector on the positive side which was getting lose from the wire and it was making a leaking sound thats how I noticed it was the problem and I couldn't even tell that it was the connector! I hope this helps! Sorry for not replying back on time! Hopefully you've figured the problem already bro!

[@tobymccullough2336]

just happened to my 2013 2500 dodge ram

[@maxdelgado7012]

Toby McCullough did u ever fixed it?

[@josh-sprink1163]

I wonder what C codes we’re on the cluster. I’m kind of having the same problem except my 31 slot fuse keeps blowing every time I turn the truck on. 2008 Ram 1500 Slot 31 (PCM/TCM) Red 10A Fuse blows as soon at truck turns on. When that fuses out you can’t tell what gear you are in, it goes completely to no crank status. Any suggestions?

[@pfun41]

You likely have a dead short in the circuit or in the PCM/TCM. The cluster will only show it the information available to it. When the PCM/TCM is not working it won't tell the cluster gear position.

[@se7encapadon]

Hey need some help with my 05, it won’t turn over but the little box that goes around the D for drive and the R for reverse etc... is not around them. Everything lights up when I turn key but nothing happens at all no noise. Car worked fine just took down dash to install a remote start, seen I needed another plug and put dash back up and now nothing, any help from anyone is appreciated

[@pfun41]

It probably doesn't know what gear your in or cant communicate that information properly.

[@se7encapadon]

@@pfun41 when I put on the obd it said it was not communicating properly and I was told the pcm needed replaced but will I need new keys and stuff? I’m hoping my wires are lose like your were lol

[@alexhaws1999]

Currently having the same problem, but I get no lights and nothing turning over. Also battery dies after a day of no use.

[@pfun41]

You have a parasitic draw. with that in addition to the other stuff you have more serious issues.

[@alexhaws1999]

@@pfun41 oh lord, I hope not but thanks for that

[@johnrodriguez2129]

Mine is doing the same thing but won't restart at all

[@that_guy89x89]

Looked like something chewed your wires up to me!

[@coltonstawarz5946]

Put the year in the description

[@VictorMartinez-wg6we]

So what if my truck keeps blowing the pcm fuse and it won’t crank

[@pfun41]

Then you have wiring problems or PCM issues.