I have a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 that will click but not crank on start up. After trying to start numerous times and 10 min later it will start. Dealer cannot diagnos the problem cause it wont act up while there. can you help?

Asked by bigbvee1966 Jan 21, 2014 at 10:33 AM about the 2012 RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

53 Answers

250

I have the same problem with the same yr/make/model. I have had it in to the dealer 5 times and still not properly diagnosed. It is actually at the dealer now for the same problem for the 6th time. They have tried chaning the W.I.N. module, resetting error codes, changing the radio/nav unit and nothing works. I am contacting a lemon law attorney. Hope it worked out for you.

25 people found this helpful.
220

I have a 2012 Ram 1500 Crew cab w/5.7l Hemi 4x2. I have the identical problem. My truck is back at the dealer now for the 8th time. They have told me everything from "Its a w.i.n. module" to "It is due to the after-market radio". All of those have been replaced and it still happens. Every time it happens, if I put it in neutral it will start. The dealer says that they have sent the question to Chrysler and received no response about this being a problem before. I am at my wits end and am contacting a lemon law attorney.

22 people found this helpful.
110

I have this problem with my 2011 and near as I can figure, it has something to do with the chip in the key. I also have an aftermarket viper alarm/remote start and when she doesn't want to crank over, I hit the remote start button and she starts right up! Had an ex that had the same thing with her Jeep and they couldn't get it to do it either at the dealership and they recommended a remote start because it has the bypass module for the key chip! Just a suggestion!

11 people found this helpful.
380

I'm having the same issue on my 2012 Ram 1500. I had issues last winter and dealer could not reproduce it. Over the summer I had no issues and now we had a cold snap of below freezing the last two days and it's happen both days as Im leaving the office. I have a factory auto start and the issue occurred with it as well. I'm dropping it off after work tomorrow so the dealership can try a cold start Friday morning. In my case it's becoming consistent.

18 people found this helpful.
200

I have a 2012 ram 1500. Yesterday it stalled while driving and because of heavy traffic I could not get over to the roadside. I was left in the middle of traffic without hazards or even the ability.to put in neutral. This is the second time this exact thing happened in 4 months. It's dangerous because when it dies while driving, the power steering and breaks go out which makes it hard to control. Ram had better have an answer tomorrow or attorney here I come.

20 people found this helpful.
400

I HAVE A 2011 RAM 1500 5.7 HEMI, AND IM HAVING SAME ISSUE WILL NOT START WHEN ITS COLD. DEALER TELLS ME I NEED A NEW BATTERY WENT TO AUTOZONE CHECK MY BATTERY AND IT WAS GOOD TOOK IT TO TWO MORE PLACES, AND IT SHOWS MY BATTERY IS GOOD ALSO STARTER AND ALTERNATOR GOOD. I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO...???

40 people found this helpful.
140

I have the same problem with my 2009 Ram 1500 4.7. I think it is the neutral safety switch,

14 people found this helpful.
170

I have the same problem i have 2011 1500 4.7. When im driving it wont act up Yet..... I jave been putting cables to it and it starts up. Once off for 30 minutes or so it wont start no more. Nobody can find answers. Put fuel pump, alternator, and checked battery. Even put a new one on to see if it wad baf. Nothing... what to do??????!!!!!!!!

17 people found this helpful.
420

It's not what you think. I have a 2012 Ram Big Horn 4x4 chrome . The starter started to give out . I took it to the dealer , the dealer shut truck off , put it into neutral and it started right up . Now , instead of charging me to test and replace , mechanic opened up the PCM ( fuse box ) and pushed down on every fuse that was knocked out of place ( only works if fuse box is inside the engine compartment on top of wheel well ) . When this was completed , the starter , started right up in park. So next time truck won't start , open hood , open fuse box, and push all breakers and fuses back down , problem solved .

42 people found this helpful.
330

The problem is the tipm is not sending power to the fuel pump I had to a by pass connection from the m7 to m25 and after doing the by pass connection I could actually hear the fuel pump turning on and it started right up ,check the fuse number m25 with a indicator to see if is getting power if it doesn't you will need to do a by pass connection it only cost me about $10

33 people found this helpful.
150

I'm having similar issues with my 2010 1500 I turn the key and nothing. I have to turn it maybe 10 times then it starts and runs fine until I need to start it again. My battery, alternator were good I replaced the starter but still the same problem. I have will be dropping it off at the dealership on Monday I hope they find the problem.

15 people found this helpful.
90

It is the safety switch, take it out of park and put it back in park and it will start.

9 people found this helpful.
160

I just bought a 2012 laramie 5.7 hemi from my father. He bought the truck new and has had it maintained extremely well. He had this same issue a handful of times. The dealership installed a new starter a week before I assumed ownership. It has 99,450 miles on it. I have already experienced this exact problem numerous times just 2 to 3 weeks of owning the truck. Any update on what is causing this issue?

16 people found this helpful.
60

Same problem here! It could be the way you're starting your vechile. Some idiots like myself just shoved it in and turned it all the way without knowing it was causing damage to it. So from now on I turn the key till it clicks once, wait, than twice etc. Worked good! Thanks it happened again!!! Smh lol

2 people found this helpful.
60

Same problem here! It could be the way you're starting your vechile. Some idiots like myself just shoved it in and turned it all the way without knowing it was causing damage to it. So from now on I turn the key till it clicks once, wait, than twice etc. Worked good! Till it happened again!!! Smh lol

4 people found this helpful.
115

Same issue but I have found quickly throwing it in drive and hitting the gas will ensure it starts

4 people found this helpful.
380

Since my last post I took my truck in and the dealer had it for a week and never got it to misbehave. After that it has not done it since until a week ago. I pushed the fuses in and played with the wires and it didn't work. Finally after a 5-10 minutes turning my Fob it started. It has to be related to the security system as the steering wheel and shifter are locked in place. I had hoped the service recall for the wiring harness in the steer wheel had fixed it.

5 people found this helpful.
115

Could it possible be an issue with the wireless control module? I know similar problems have been popping up on older dodges and the problem was related to the wcm.

7 people found this helpful.
380

I think Ram has gone all electronic automatic in their 1500s since 2010 unless you special order it or after market manual transmission. Mine is an electronics auto. Within the last month my issue has occurred once a week and now this week it's increased to once if not twice a day. Taking it into the dealership for round 3 to see if they can figured it out. I think it's in the WCM as it does the same with both FOBs I have.

7 people found this helpful.
380

Dealership was able to reproduce the issue. They are replacing the Transmission Valve Body

3 people found this helpful.
40

Had same issue with my 2012 1500 with 99k... Battery tested good but when cranked dropped to 6V. Replaced battery this morning praying that does it.... I ll keep you posted

4 people found this helpful.
70

Did the electronics turn on at all for you? The battery seems to work, but the engine won't turn over, even though the stereo, lights, etc., all work just fine

6 people found this helpful.
380

The electronics worked as if nothing was wrong. Since my Transmission Valve Body replacement my truck has started everytime and no issues. Looking at the part it has sensor so I could see were there are some fail points.

5 people found this helpful.
70

It was the battery for me. dealer battery dead at 52K miles RIP

1 people found this helpful.
170

Just to answer your questions,IT IS THE RECEIVER UNIT IN THE STEERING COLUMN(ANTENNA),I promise you will never have problem again, you are welcome

17 people found this helpful.
80

I'm telling everyone it is a defective fuel pump relay switch on the TIPM. I bought a bypass for the relay switch @ www.verticalvisions.com for $35. This was after bringing it to the dealership, having the fuel pump changed ($1200), cam and crank sensors changed ($250) and the spark plugs changed ($600), all of which didn't fix the problem. I am going to small claims court tomorrow to try and get my $$$ back from freaking crooked dealership.

8 people found this helpful.
10

I have similar problems with my 2010 Ram 1500. It has died going down the road and I frequently have to turn the key several times before it will start. I found that there is slack when fob is inserted into switch. I can replicate the engine dying by simply moving(not turning) fob up and down and/or side to side. I first discovered this when going over railroad tracks. I saw key shift in switch and engine died. I switched to my backup fob and problem went away for a couple months. It's started again now and I'm convinced that the switch needs to be replaced.

1 people found this helpful.
30

Just want to say thanks to everyone who took time to post here! I have an appt to take my 2012 Ram to the dealership next week for the same problem.. After reading these comments I'm going to cancel the appt.. I'm sure they are just going to charge me big buck and it is going to still not be fixed! Thanks!

3 people found this helpful.
20

Joe A. I have the same issue starting to happen with my 2012 4x4 bighorn. But I was able to start it like others stated, by placing it in neutral. Planning on contacting dealership. It's happened twice since Friday and today is Monday. Crazy thing is after it starts I put it back in park, and shut it down, and it starts back up immediately.

2 people found this helpful.
60

It IS the Neutral Safety Switch. If the vehicle just clicks, and you know it drove fine yesterday and every day before that...shift into reverse, and then back into park (sometimes a couple of times) and try starting. Will start just fine if the switch missed. If not, try starting the vehicle in neutral. If it starts, it is the Neutral Safety Switch.

6 people found this helpful.
80

Diamante_698 My 2010 dodge 1500 is doing the same thing as your truck did you finally get it fixed?

2 people found this helpful.
90

What is this fix? I have 2013 Laramie 4x4 and a little over 99000 I would get a "click" but it would eventually start. This maybe happened on 10-12 occasions. I'm at 102000 miles now and the truck has not started despite hours of troubleshooting. In my notes people have said: 1). Transmission Valve Body 2). Fuel pump relay switch 3). Wiring control module and the FOB 4). Receiver unit in steering column 5). TIPM not sending power to fuel pump 6). Fuel pump relay switch And 7). Recommendation to install aftermarket remote start to bypass key chip

9 people found this helpful.
30

I never had this problem till I put a new upper ball joint on. The only thing I can think of is that there is a ground attached to the frame right by the front bolt of the upper control arm. I am guessing that I bumped it. (This is on the driver's side). Not sure what else it could be.

3 people found this helpful.
50

Fk, it is like playing poker here. Not sure how many people are "bluffing" I do have the problem and battery voltage is good, contacts are good, only happens in winter most times works to boost

1 people found this helpful.
50

Like I said, playing online poker - Ball joint - TIPM - Wifi modem - Radio Don't worry, Jesus is going to return soon. Hang on

4 people found this helpful.
50

I've moved the shifter to different positions. Removed the negative terminal, then put it back on. One thing I've found that I haven't read yet, is that the shifter can be moved without the key in the ignition. Anybody?

5 people found this helpful.
80

Guru59VRY, I have a 2011 RAM 1500 4x4. For me, it was the fuel pump relay causing my truck to not start. I could try it a dozen times and it might or might not crank with the key. I bought a bypass at Napa for something like $5 or so. Run the bypass from fuses M7 and M25, and if your truck is having the same TIPM problem as mine, it might be your cure. I've since learned to never crank my truck with the key. I always use the remote start and never have any troubles. Here is a picture of the thing from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Circuit-ATC-Piggy-Standard-Holder/dp/B009K6U582 I hope it helps.

8 people found this helpful.
20

2011 4x4 5.7 -Mine was the tipm .I thought it was the fuel pump so installed one $860 later it didn't start .so now NEW tipm $1545.00 from dealership.its a horrible thing to spend this kind of money

2 people found this helpful.
20

Man I wish I could buy the guy that wrote his reply below. My 2012 Ram Hemi 4x4 Laramie was doing the same thing. Took it to same dealer 3 times they had now idea why it did not start consistently. Took it to another dealer. They were ready to put in a $925.00 TIPM module. Luckily the Dodge dealer was over 5 hours late installing the part, In the mean time I read this guy's remarks below. My fuse box sits right over the wheel well like his. I pushed all the fuses in. Some where loose. It starts like a charm now. I had stalled on the highway twice so it was becoming dangerous. I called a national Dodge helpline and found them totally useless. They said they depend on their dealers to figure it out! So read below, Hope it helps and saves you the ton of money Dodge will randomly charge you! "It's not what you think. I have a 2012 Ram Big Horn 4x4 chrome . The starter started to give out . I took it to the dealer , the dealer shut truck off , put it into neutral and it started right up . Now , instead of charging me to test and replace , mechanic opened up the PCM ( fuse box ) and pushed down on every fuse that was knocked out of place ( only works if fuse box is inside the engine compartment on top of wheel well ) . When this was completed , the starter , started right up in park. So next time truck won't start , open hood , open fuse box, and push all breakers and fuses back down , problem solved."

2 people found this helpful.
40

I thought i was the only one with this problem. You would think they would have realized there's a problem. Mine mainly malfunctioned when it was cold. The dealers could never find anything wrong or get it to duplicate when I had it in the shop. Finally I crawled under the truck and had somebody turn the key and saw a spark from the terminal on the starter to the heat shield. I was able to push the heat shield away and haven't had an issue since.

4 people found this helpful.
40

I had the same issue every once in a while ill get a click put it in neutral and it would start, had the safety switch, starter, battery, shifter cable replaced 2 times and now they think its the actual shifter but cant guarantee the fix 2000k into it and nothing.. My truck started having problems with 500 miles and never stopped after 100k. dealer can not figure it out. I did get great video to show them.

4 people found this helpful.
150

Everyone that has issues with starting should have thier TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) checked. Faulty TIPM were installed in Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles until 2014. It can be dangerous as it controls everything electrical in your vehicle and is expensive to replace (TIPM alone over $1,000) Also due to the faulty TIPM it can cause other necessary repairs. There is a class-action lawsuit over it

15 people found this helpful.
30

Testing from the dealership on my 2012 RAM 1500... fuel pump tested fine, fuel injectors fine, finely after several days and several technicians going over the vehicle, it was a bad TIPM. $1500 later I'm hoping for no other issues.

2 people found this helpful.
40

Any issues so far after replacing the TIPM John? Just got a 2012 ram 2500 a week ago and had to get my truck towed to get a new starter put in but just now reading all the replies I'm worried

3 people found this helpful.
40

Good stuff man, I read that the starter issue everyone has been going through was with the 1500. Just hoping that cause mine is a 2500 that things will be fine for me, been a week now where it's fine so far

1 people found this helpful.
80

I fixed my truck that had this issue about 2 years ago, and I was able to fix it for under $300 from the dodge dealer. I went into the dealership and told them that I wanted to buy the TIPM. I then immediately installed it in the parking lot (took ~10 minutes) and then they charged me like $60 to sync my keys to the new TIPM, but I didn't have to pay the 4 hours of labor that they would have charged to install the TIPM themselves.

8 people found this helpful.
20

How did they know it was TIPM? Took our Dodge in yesterday. I told them that it may seem like starter but it's been doing this for a couple years. Yesterday was 1st day we got stuck for 4hrs, I finally shifted from park to neutral and it started right up. I dropped it off yesterday and today he said they think it's the starter but they are trying to repeat the issue. I said good luck with that and told them it's most likely not the starter. I asked them to check the neutral safety switch but how can they determine neutral safety switch or TIPM?

2 people found this helpful.
10

Bought used 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Hemi in July. Ran good all summer. About 2 months ago I was having the same issues others posted. Would stall while driving and wouldn't start. Took to mechanic, they ran all diagnostics on it and couldn't find anything. The truck started and ran fine while they had it....of course. Since they didn't have a solution what to do I went and picked it up. That same day I couldn't get it started and called and put them on speaker to listen. Took back to shop and they test drove and shut off and it wouldn't start. Called Dodge dealership and after some back and forth came to the conclusion it's the TIPM and the part alone will cost $1,000. Once I pick-up the vehicle I will ask how they determined it was the TIPM and update. Dodge should be paying for this! What a dangerous issue to have when going 80 mph down the interstate. It's 80 mph in some parts of Nevada, just FYI.

1 people found this helpful.
20

Similiar issues today except issue started with a no BUS message on the dash about a week ago truck ran fine had no gauges though and now today truck just clicks when i try and start it at whits end with this thing second truck feom dodge with a possible tipm issue and another chrysler product in my driveway that has issues too anybody here have the no BUS message with the non starting issue

2 people found this helpful.
110

To test to see if your having problems with fuel pump relay, this is a fuse box from a dodge ram 2011 (this fuse box is fixed) n. 1 is fuse for fuel pump, n. 2 is power outlet, if your truck starts you need to change your relay

5 people found this helpful.

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