Troubleshoot my truck issues

[SarcasticDwarf]

Truck specs:
1997 Dodge RAM 1500, V8

Conditions:
30-65 degrees, cold start

Problem:
In the past few weeks here in Wisconsin, the truck has not started on the first attempt. I turn the key, all the electrical systems come on, but nothing in the engine turns over. After this happens a couple of times (1-2 failed attempts each time), the truck starts. When it does start, it dometimes seems a bit reluctant, but otherwise starts up. If I immediately turn it off and back on again, it starts with no problem. The truck then runs normally after this.



Thoughts?









EDIT: Problem was the starter

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Anyone?

 

[Belldo]

your starter could be going

 

[Brutuskend]

Moisture in the elect. system perhaps?

 

[MichaelD]

This is such a common problem, and a lot of people mistakenly pay big bucks to have it fixed.

PROBLEM: I turn the key and all I hear is a loud *CLICK* but then nothing OR I turn the key and nothing happens....but my radio, headlights, horn, etc work fine. WTF?


SOLUTION: Your battery terminals are loose and/or corroded.


Lift the hood. (Bet you haven't done that in awhile!) If there's white, crusty stuff on the battery terminals, remove the terminals and scrub them clean w/a mixture of water/baking soda w/a wire brush. Reattach termials tightly. Prob solved.

If you see no white stuff, wiggle the cables/terminals. I'll bet they are loose. Tighten them down!
Problem solved.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
This is such a common problem, and a lot of people mistakenly pay big bucks to have it fixed.

PROBLEM: I turn the key and all I hear is a loud *CLICK* but then nothing OR I turn the key and nothing happens....but my radio, headlights, horn, etc work fine. WTF?


SOLUTION: Your battery terminals are loose and/or corroded.


Lift the hood. (Bet you haven't done that in awhile!) If there's white, crusty stuff on the battery terminals, remove the terminals and scrub them clean w/a mixture of water/baking soda w/a wire brush. Reattach termials tightly. Prob solved.

If you see no white stuff, wiggle the cables/terminals. I'll bet they are loose. Tighten them down!
Problem solved.

hmm, you know, this started after I had to replace the headlight closest to the battery, which required a lot of yanking and swearing. I wonder...

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

I'm going to clean everthing out tommorow. Why would my headlights and everything work if the cable to the battery is getting disconnected? Shouldn't nothing work?

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
I'm going to clean everthing out tommorow. Why would my headlights and everything work if the cable to the battery is getting disconnected? Shouldn't nothing work?

You'll get a connection, just not a GOOD connection. And if there isn't a good enough connection, there won't be enough juice to turn the starter.

Check for fuzzy green stuff too. (Corrosion)

If there is any, bakeing soda and water will clean it up.