Help. My power wagon doesn’t always start

[Yellowtonka2]

First off thank you in advanced for any help. I have a 2018 Mojave sand PW. It has 7,000 miles on it. It has had a lot of issues in the 10 months that I have owned it. I purchased it new with 19 miles. It has already had the engine replaced, rear window replaced twice and the tracks replaced also. Batteries twice and an alternator. My biggest issue is that it randomly doesn’t start. I hit the key and nothing. The dash doesn’t light up, gauges do not cycle etc. the radio lights up and the ram emblem comes on the screen then fades away and the interior lights come on. I cycle the key, lock and unlock the key fob and after doing this many times usually 15-20 minutes it will finally start. It has spent 61 days at the dealer and they are unable to get it not to start with their scanners on it. Has anyone experienced this? They claim to have tested and verified all grounds, tested the RF hub, BCM, ECM, ignition switches etc. I went through arbitration but was denied due to FCA being unable to make a final repair attempt. I am basically down to attempting to diagnose the issue myself.
Help! Signed very frustrated Power Wagon Owner.

[Retired BLM Rig]

Has the dealer experienced the "No Start" condition, or does it always start for them? Sounds like a TIPM or BCM issue to me.

[Yellowtonka2]

The dealer has been unable to duplicate the condition. I have submitted multiple videos of the issue occurring though.

[Yellowtonka2]

The dealer has been unable to duplicate the issue. I have been able to get it on video multiple times when it occurs to share with them.

[flattire]

Dealer was unable to verify no start (with their scanner connected).


Why was engine replaced?

[POk3s]

Wow. I’m afraid I can’t help but I’m sorry to hear of your bad luck!

[flattire]

Are there any trouble codes being set?

This should be a warranty repair. You shouldn't need to fix it yourself. Next they will say something you have done is causing this issue.

Do you have any kind of "alarm" system installed?

Is engine cranking and just not starting?

[PWJouster]

did you have the truck windows tinted? specifically the front?

[olyelr]

did you have the truck windows tinted? specifically the front?

This question has me curious as all get out...

[flattire]

I was thinking that also.

[Yellowtonka2]

The truck has an evts system installed. The dealer installs it on all new vehicles. The front windows are tinted not super dark. That’s an interesting question. What could that cause? Again a dealer add on. There are no DTC’s set or stored. The truck has been with the dealer for 61 days and they are unable to diagnose.

[Yellowtonka2]

The truck does have tinted windows but not super dark. This was done by the dealer before purchase. It also has the evts system on it. Again installed by the dealer before purchase. No dtc’s are stored or active. Why the question about tinted windows?

[PWJouster]

did you have the truck windows tinted? specifically the front?

This question has me curious as all get out...

not sure what your stating but to reinforce my question if that was what made you curious as to why i was asking?

electronics beyond the windows and front windshield are sensitive to water...ive seen tint installers spray excess water to install, and have even had a friends hellcat destroyed from water that flowed down behind the dash... caused the horn to blare and window motors to turn unless the battery was pulled

[flattire]

I was thinking it was a joke. Sort of like a "muffler bearing" thing. Would have never thought about water inside the windshield.

O.P. has never been back. Hope he isn't stuck somewhere trying to get truck to start.

[PWJouster]

well if it aint the blinker fluid, then the muffler bearing must be wearing out...

[Jmarklowitz]

My 2016 was doing something similer. But it was at about 65,000-68,000 miles. It was the starter. It happened every once in a while and I would keep hitting the button and it would adventually start. When I puched the button I would just get a click sound. Then it quickly got worse until I got stranded at home leaving for work. Had it towed to dealer and they replaced the starter and haven't had an issue since. I suspected the starter and tapping on it made no difference. Wasn't the solenoid. It was missing teath on the starter and if you stopped in just the right spot it wouldn't engage but I didn't hear anything other than a click when pushing the start button. You mention having the engine replaced, may check the starter is installed correctly or something?

[JRHPWRWAGON06]

Sell the truck, or trade it in, and buy a new one from a different dealer. Seriously, you got a lemon (No pun intended) that may have been root cause of something dealer had a hand in.