Apparently, in 1993, Dodge switched from electomagnetic relays to the solid-state "cubes" that are in a power distribution box near the battery. That'd explain why I could not find the relays after checking some diagrams online. ;)

After realizing the solid-state cubes were all the same make/model, I rotated them clockwise figuring that if that was the issue, I would see a different issue -- i.e. it would crank but the fuel pump wouldn't work.

No dice. Went back out this morning and switched another relay cube. Also figured out that 3 or 4 of the fuses in that box are also related to either the ignition or the starter. They all looked good at a glance, but I still took them all out, inspected them more carefully, and then reseated them all.

I had pretty much dismissed there being any issue with the battery since the truck had started right up on the first crank earlier that day, and the terminals looked clean. However, just to be thorough, I removed the cable from each terminal and cleaned the terminals (and connectors) with an old toothbrush I keep in the toolbox for such occasions.

One of the things I did this morning worked! I put the key in and said "please, please, please" before cranking it (maybe that was it!). Cranked right over just like it did the other morning.

If I had to guess, either the fine dust that came off of the terminals was the difference... or possibly having the battery disconnected long enough that something reset.

Mike



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I had this happen with my '89 Chevrolet C1500. One day it started strong with no issue and I drove it to town to pick up something. It sat for maybe 20 minutes. Got stuff loaded up, went to start it and click click click. Wife had to come give me a jump and I drove it home. Tried starting it again in the driveway and nary a click. After 8 years, the battery suddenly said it was time.

So I'd keep an eye on that battery, too.
--- SBBSecho 3.38-Linux
* Origin: RetroDigital BBS - rdnetbbs.com (1:342/11)

I had this happen with my '89 Chevrolet C1500. One day it
started strong with no issue and I drove it to town to pick up
something. It sat for maybe 20 minutes. Got stuff loaded up,
went to start it and click click click. Wife had to come give me
a jump and I drove it home. Tried starting it again in the
driveway and nary a click. After 8 years, the battery suddenly
said it was time.

So I'd keep an eye on that battery, too.

The battery is not too old... the manufacture date is 2020 and I am pretty sure I didn't buy it until 2021 or 22. Still, very much something to look out for.

FWIW, when I was younger and paid less attention, I had an old 1967 Rambler that would start with quite visible corrosion on the posts. It had to get pretty thick before it wouldn't start, and then it was really easy to fix. So, when I didn't see any on this one, I ignored that as a possibility.

On this one, it was invisible until I removed the cables and, even then, was just a very faint ring around the post.

Mike

--- ScorpioWeb v0.39a (Linux/x86_64)
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * KY, USA (1:2320/107)

On this one, it was invisible until I removed the cables and, even then, was just a very faint ring around the
post.

Need to get you one of those little wire brush style battery post and cable cleaners. Those things will get the posts and cables nice and shiny so you get the best contact possible!
--- SBBSecho 3.38-Linux
* Origin: RetroDigital BBS - rdnetbbs.com (1:342/11)

On this one, it was invisible until I removed the cables and,
even then, was just a very faint ring around the post.

Need to get you one of those little wire brush style battery
post and cable cleaners. Those things will get the posts and
cables nice and shiny so you get the best contact possible!

Oh, I have a brush... an old toothbrush... that I keep around for such occasions. It seems to do the trick, if I realize that is what is needed!

Mike

--- ScorpioWeb v0.39a (Linux/x86_64)
* Origin: capitolcityonline.net * KY, USA (1:2320/107)

I had this happen with my '89 Chevrolet C1500. One day it started strong with no issue and I drove it to town to pick up something. It sat for
maybe 20 minutes. Got stuff loaded up, went to start it and click click click.

ahhhh ... the dreaded battery-click sound ...

\%/@rd

--- DB4 - 20260902
* Origin: Many Glacier - Preserve / Protect / Conserve (2:292/854)