[Boz006]

I have a 00 2500 24v with an automatic. I was driving home the other night and my voltage meter dropped to zero and the check gauges light came on. I only had a few miles to go so I drove it home just fine and shut it off. It won't start now, I hooked it up to a battery charger for a day and still couldn't get it to crank. The starter doesn't engage. My lights and other electrical are all working. There's not burning smell. Initially I was thinking just an alternator but since the starter won't engage I'm a little suspicious. Also, I haven't had anything tested yet, batteries or alternator although the batteries are nearly brand new. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[NCC74656]

it could be 2 unrelated issues? check the fuses to your starter, try manually engaging the starter, test your alternator at a shop.

 

[JRod_141]

could be a ground crapped out on you somewhere. sounds like the ground doesn't affect the VP, but could be affecting the start circuit and volt meter

 

[Junkman]

This is one of those things where Professor Google helps. Ask him about "no crank" and follow the instructions re testing batteries, checking for current at the starter etc.

Hopefully your alternator took a dump and all you need to do is charge the batteries and replace the alternator. You don't know ar haven't told us that you tested the batteries. Putting an unknown charger on an unknown battery doesn't count as a test.

My alternator went out once when I was far from a town. The voltage meter dropded to 0. The check gauges light came on but the truck kept running. I had tools and work clothes & changed the alt in the Oreilly's parking lot. It was fortunate that I had clothes. It would have been a shame to get grease on my suit.

 

[bigfish95971]

Have Les Schwab load test the batteries. In or out does not matter.

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Here is the starter circuit.

As for grounds VP44, ECM and PCM are all part of the battery cable and do not ground to the body.

 

[Off-road]

just my .02, i have better luck charging batteries as the single battery then i do in a hooked up system. they require a LOT of time when in a system. and if its cold out good luck.

i would remove both batteries and charge them where its warm, and make sure they are fully charged. then load test them, if good, replace the faulty charging system part, either alternator, regulator, fuse or wiring. then attempt to start. if still no start do a voltage drop test to the starter not cranking and cranking. if it ever drops below 10 volts you need bigger batteries and better cables.

hope that helps.

 

[Boz006]

Thanks for the tips guys. Turned out it was the fuse for the ignition relay. Switched it out and its been fine since.