2020 RAM 1500: How to Fix Starter Problems

How to Fix Starter Issues on Your 2020 RAM 1500

This guide focuses on addressing starter problems specifically in the 2020 RAM 1500. Starter issues can be frustrating, leaving you stranded and wondering what went wrong. Many owners have faced similar challenges, often finding the solution in unexpected places. As one owner shared: "Your symptoms scream poor connection(s) somewhere 99/100 times... Temperature affects both fastener clamp load & terminal contact (metal contracts when cold) which in turn affect the ability to carry load." (source) This guide will help you diagnose and potentially fix the starting issues with your truck.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a failing starter system in your 2020 RAM 1500 can manifest in various ways. You might experience a complete failure to start, where turning the key or pressing the start button results in nothing happening. This can be accompanied by the dashboard lights illuminating as normal, leading you to believe the battery is functioning correctly.

Another symptom reported by owners is an intermittent starting issue. In these cases, the vehicle might start fine sometimes, but then fail to start at other times, often without any discernible pattern. This intermittent behavior can make it challenging to diagnose the root cause. As one owner pointed out, sometimes the truck won't turn over at all.

Some owners have also noticed that temperature seems to play a role. Cold weather conditions appear to exacerbate the problem, making it more difficult to start the truck when the temperature drops. This might indicate an issue related to connections, as metal contraction in cold weather can affect their ability to conduct electricity effectively. This is why you need to check all electrical connections.

Finally, a less common but still possible symptom is related to the gear selector position. Even if your truck is in Park, a faulty gear selector might cause the system to think it's in another gear (like Reverse), preventing the starter from engaging.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the most likely cause of starting issues in the 2020 RAM 1500 is poor electrical connections. As "CurrentlyatBDC" succinctly put it, a poor connection is the culprit 99/100 times. Temperature changes significantly affect these connections.

The issue often stems from loose or corroded connections at the battery terminals, the Power Distribution Center (PDC), the starter itself, and related ground wires. These connections can weaken over time due to vibrations, exposure to the elements, and the natural loosening of fasteners. The "snow chief package" might play a role in the battery performance.

When the connections are compromised, the electrical current flow to the starter is restricted. This reduced current can prevent the starter from engaging properly, leading to the symptoms described earlier. Moreover, the truck uses a special package on its battery.

Furthermore, temperature fluctuations can exacerbate the problem. As metals contract in cold weather, the clamping force of fasteners decreases, further reducing the contact area at the connections and hindering current flow. This explains why some owners experience more starting issues during cold weather.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a starting issue in your 2020 RAM 1500 requires a systematic approach to identify the root cause. Here's a step-by-step process:

1. Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the battery terminals and connections for any signs of corrosion or looseness. Clean any corrosion with a wire brush and ensure the terminals are securely tightened. You will need gloves and a wire brush for this.

2. Battery Test: Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is significantly lower, the battery might be weak and unable to provide enough current to the starter. A load test can also be performed to assess the battery's ability to deliver current under load. You will need a multimeter for this.

3. Connection Check: Inspect all electrical connections related to the starter system, including those at the PDC, the starter itself, and any ground wires. Ensure these connections are clean and tight. Pay close attention to any connections that appear corroded or damaged. You will need a wrench for this step.

4. Gear Selector Test: Try shifting the gear selector from Park through Reverse to Neutral and back to Park. This can help rule out a faulty gear selector switch as the cause of the starting issue. Sometimes the gears are off.

5. Starter Relay Test: Locate the starter relay in the PDC and test it using a multimeter. You can also try swapping it with another identical relay in the PDC to see if that resolves the issue. This will require a multimeter.

6. Video Recording: If the problem is intermittent, try recording the starting process on video. This can provide valuable evidence to a mechanic if you are unable to resolve the issue yourself. A smartphone is perfect for this.

Step-by-Step Fix

If you've diagnosed the starting issue to be related to loose or corroded connections, here's how you can attempt to fix it:

1. Gather Tools and Materials: You'll need a wrench set, a wire brush, battery terminal cleaner, dielectric grease, and possibly replacement battery terminals if the existing ones are severely corroded.

2. Disconnect the Battery: Before working on any electrical connections, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent short circuits.

3. Clean Battery Terminals: Use a wire brush and battery terminal cleaner to thoroughly clean the battery terminals and cable clamps. Remove all traces of corrosion.

4. Tighten Battery Terminals: Ensure the battery terminals are securely tightened. If the terminals are damaged or corroded beyond repair, replace them with new ones.

5. Inspect and Clean Other Connections: Locate and inspect all other electrical connections related to the starter system, including those at the PDC, the starter itself, and any ground wires. Clean any corrosion and ensure the connections are tight. "If you/your dealer hasn’t already, every connection from the battery to the PDC to the starter B+ feed needs to be tightened, as do related grounds, PDC connectors checked & reseated as well," as one owner suggests. (source)

6. Apply Dielectric Grease: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to all electrical connections to prevent corrosion and improve conductivity.

7. Check Ground Wires: Ensure that all ground wires are securely attached to the frame or engine block. Clean any corrosion and tighten the connections.

8. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

9. Test the Starting System: Try starting the truck to see if the issue has been resolved.

10. Gear Shift Test: Shift gears to see if that fixes the starting issue. "Next time it happens try shifting it from Park through Reverse to Neutral then back to Park again. I chased starter issues on my truck but it turned out that something is wonky with my gear selector." as stated by another owner. (source)

Parts and Tools Needed

• Wrench set (metric)
• Wire brush
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Dielectric grease
• Multimeter
• Replacement battery terminals (if needed)
• Gloves

Real Owner Costs

The cost of fixing a starting issue on your 2020 RAM 1500 can vary depending on the cause and whether you choose to DIY or take it to a shop.

DIY: If the issue is simply loose or corroded connections, you can likely fix it yourself for under $50. The cost of materials like a wire brush, battery terminal cleaner, and dielectric grease is relatively low.

Professional Repair: If the issue is more complex, such as a faulty starter or a problem with the electrical system, you might need to take the truck to a mechanic. The cost of professional repair can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the specific problem and the hourly rate of the mechanic. "The dealer is doing it under warranty so it’ll be OEM. Shall I keep it long enough to see this issue out of warranty I’ll go with another brand of starter," one owner mentioned. (source) Some owners got it fixed under warranty, so it might be worth checking.

Examples:

• DIY cleaning of battery terminals: $20-$30
• Replacement of battery terminals: $50-$100
• Professional starter replacement: $300-$600

Prevention

Preventing starting issues in your 2020 RAM 1500 involves regular maintenance and attention to detail. Here are some steps you can take:

• Regularly inspect and clean battery terminals: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and looseness at least twice a year. Clean them with a wire brush and battery terminal cleaner as needed.

• Ensure tight electrical connections: Periodically inspect all electrical connections related to the starter system, including those at the PDC, the starter itself, and any ground wires. Ensure these connections are tight and free of corrosion.

• Use dielectric grease: Apply dielectric grease to all electrical connections to prevent corrosion and improve conductivity.

• Avoid excessive idling: Excessive idling can put a strain on the battery and charging system, which can eventually lead to starting issues.

• Consider a battery tender: If you frequently drive short distances or store the truck for extended periods, consider using a battery tender to keep the battery fully charged.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from RAM owners:

Owner Experiences

"Your symptoms scream poor connection(s) somewhere 99/100 times (the 1/100 a bad PDC but very rare…) Temperature affects both fastener clamp load & terminal contact (metal contracts when cold) which in turn affect the ability to carry load." — CurrentlyatBDC (source)

"Temperature affects both fastener clamp load & terminal contact (metal contracts when cold) which in turn affect the ability to carry load. If you/your dealer hasn’t already, every connection from the battery to the PDC to the starter B+ feed needs to be tightened, as do related grounds, PDC connectors checked & reseated as well." — CurrentlyatBDC (source)

"The service advisor claims the tech checked all connections on the starter and tested the battery and everything was good. Hoping when they try it tomorrow it doesn’t just fire right up." — GadsdenYellow (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "Check your starter connections and also try hitting it with a hammer. Before you do that try jumping the battery." — JWTowsonU (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a starting issue caused by loose connections?

A: If the issue is simply loose or corroded connections, you can typically fix it yourself in under an hour.

Q: Can I drive with a starting issue?

A: It's generally not recommended to drive with a starting issue, as you risk getting stranded if the truck fails to start.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 RAM 1500?

A: While not every 2020 RAM 1500 experiences starting issues, it is a relatively common problem, particularly in regions with cold weather conditions. Owners often report that checking the connections first is the best step.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: If you're comfortable working on your truck and have some basic mechanical skills, you can likely fix a starting issue caused by loose or corroded connections yourself. However, if the issue is more complex, such as a faulty starter or a problem with the electrical system, it's best to take the truck to a qualified mechanic. It's better to be safe and ensure that the problem is properly diagnosed and repaired. As one owner mentioned, the dealer checked all connections on the starter and tested the battery. If they can't find a problem, then take the truck to a trusted mechanic.