Here’s Why Your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Won’t Start In the Cold

If your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 won't start in the cold, the most likely reason is a battery issue. But that's not the only potential cause. Here's what to know.
Written by John Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 won't start in the cold, the most likely cause is an issue with your car battery. However, you might also be facing problems like clogged fuel lines, a faulty fuel pump, frozen coolant, or an incorrect type of engine oil. 
Walking out to start your car on a frigid morning is rarely enjoyable. But it's even more frustrating when your truck refuses to start, leaving you shivering and late for work. While several things can cause this problem, here we'll cover the most common reasons your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 might struggle to start in the cold.
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The 5 most common reasons your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 won’t start in the cold

There are a variety of issues that could cause you to have trouble starting your truck when it's cold. Let's take a look at the most common reasons your 2011 Ram 1500 might have trouble turning over on those chilly mornings.  

1. Dead battery

The problem: Your battery is old (more than three to five years) or has lost power from sitting unused for too long.
How to fix it: Try jump-starting the battery. If that doesn't work, it's probably time for a replacement.
Estimated repair costs: $0 to $380
Whenever your pickup doesn't start, the first thing you should check is your battery. A Ram 1500 battery should last between three and five years, and if your truck's battery is outside that window, there's an increased chance that it's to blame for your cold start issues. 
Furthermore, cold weather can accelerate the natural battery degradation process—so if your battery is already old, a frosty morning could deal the knockout blow that puts it out of commission. 
Before you rush out and purchase a new battery, though, do a little troubleshooting. Start by calling a friend or family member to help you
jump-start your car
. You can also use a voltmeter to test your battery. If you can't get your Ram to run with a jump-start, or if the battery voltage is less than 12.4 volts, it's probably time to bite the bullet and purchase a new one. 

2. Weak battery

The problem: Your battery's cold cranking amps (CCA) are too low due to advanced age or because it's the wrong type of battery.
How to fix it: Purchase and install a replacement battery.
Estimated repair costs: $200 to $380
Your Ram's battery might still have some juice left, but it might not have enough power to start your truck. This problem can be caused by corrosion. But it could also be that you installed the wrong battery. 
The problem is most likely caused by insufficient cold cranking amps (CCA) in this situation. Cold cranking amps are essentially a measurement of how easily your battery can start the car when it's cold. Ideally, you should have at least one CCA per cubic inch of your engine's displacement—most cars need a battery with between 250 and 600 CCA.
If your truck's battery is providing insufficient cold cranking amps, you'll be hard-pressed to get your car started until you replace it with the proper size. 
MORE: 8 ways to prepare your car for winter driving or storage

3. Clogged fuel lines or a bad fuel pump

The problem: Condensation in the fuel tank or fuel lines or a faulty fuel pump can cause difficulty starting your truck.
How to fix it: Clean the fuel lines with a vacuum or plunger or replace the fuel pump.
Estimated repair costs: $80 to upwards of $700
If your battery is in good condition, your problem could be related to your Ram's fuel system. The fuel lines, in particular, could be preventing your truck from starting if they've become clogged with condensation. When it's cold, condensation in the fuel tank can build up and clog your fuel lines,
fuel filter
, or fuel pump. 
While flushing the system is relatively easy and cheap if you have the proper tools, a clog in the filter or pump can result in much more costly repairs. If it turns out you have to replace the fuel pump, it could cost upwards of $700
A great way to test whether your issue is related to the fuel pump is to try priming the fuel system before starting the car. To do this, turn your ignition key to the "ON" position three times without starting the engine—while doing this, you should be able to hear the fuel pump engage. If the truck starts up easily after this process, there's a good chance your problem is related to the fuel pump.  

4. Incorrect engine oil

The problem: Your truck is filled with motor oil that is too viscous or thick in the cold.
How to fix it: Replace the oil with the type recommended by your owner's manual.
Estimated repair costs: $40 to $75
You probably already know that motor oil is vital for your Ram's proper function. However, you might not know just how important it is to use oil with the proper viscosity or thickness. 
Your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 needs SAE 5W-20 motor oil. The "W" in that code stands for winter, and the number "5" next to it means that this type of oil is very thin, even when it's cold. The oil's thickness allows it to move smoothly and efficiently through your Ram's engine, even at extremely low temperatures. 
You should check your owner's manual or contact your local Ram dealership to confirm that you're using the proper type of motor oil in your pickup.

5. Frozen coolant

The problem: The coolant that helps prevent your car from overheating has frozen and is causing your truck to have trouble starting.
How to fix it: Warm the vehicle up to thaw out the coolant.
Estimated repair costs: $0
Although less likely to occur than the problems detailed above,
coolant
can freeze and cause you to have issues starting your car. This is more probable if you live in an area with extremely cold winter temperatures or if you added an incorrect mixture of coolant to your truck. If your coolant freezes, you might experience problems starting the car—and if you do manage to get it running, the frozen coolant could cause the car to overheat. 
If you think your issue is the result of frozen coolant, don't attempt to drive your Ram. If your engine overheats, it could cause more serious and costly problems. Instead, allow the car to thaw out by using a heater or moving into the sun.  
MORE: Antifreeze vs. coolant: what’s the difference?

Other causes: bad alternator, faulty starter, or insufficient fuel

While the most common reasons your Ram 1500 might struggle to start when it's cold are related to problems with the battery, fuel system, or motor oil type, some other things could cause this problem. And your issue might be related to a malfunction that is not directly related to the cold weather
Some other things that could cause cold start problems with your 2011 Ram 1500 include the following:
  • A bad alternator. While the battery is what starts your car, the alternator is what ensures the battery remains charged. If this part is faulty or damaged, your battery will not hold a charge for long. Classic
    signs of a bad alternator
    include dim interior lights and accessories. 
  • A faulty starter. If you hear clicking noises while attempting to start your 2011 Ram, the problem might be caused by a
    bad starter motor
    , solenoid, or ignition switch. 
  • You're out of fuel. While it might seem unlikely, you'd be surprised how easy it is to allow your fuel tank to run empty. If you can't start your Ram, check to make sure your fuel tank isn't empty—you might even have a fuel leak or a broken gauge. 
  • Faulty or dirty spark plugs. Your Ram's
    spark plugs
    are a critical component for starting the truck. If they're worn out or dirty, you might have significant trouble getting your pickup to turn over. 
  • Key fob issues. If your truck doesn't start, the issue might be the result of
    problems with your key fob
    , like a dead battery. 

What to do if your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 won’t start in the cold

If your truck fails to start on a biting winter morning, try not to panic. Here are a couple of things you can try to free your Ram from Mother Nature's icy grip.  

Bring the battery inside

Battery issues cause most Ram 1500 cold start problems. Because of this, warming your battery up may help resolve the issue. To do this, simply disconnect your truck's battery and carry it inside, where it can warm up for a few hours.

Invest in an engine block heater

If you live in a particularly frigid area, you might benefit from investing in an engine block heater. You can plug this tool in overnight and allow it to preheat your engine for the next morning—it might even help improve your fuel economy.
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