1996 Dodge Ram won't start

Have the battery load tested by a shop or parts store (free testing there). I am sure you have a defective battery or a failed engine alternator.

Sounds like a battery problem. Check for loose connections/dirt at battery terminals. Or battery is dead. Will it jump start with cables?

yes to a point. Obviously as you know if your alternator is dead your battery will drain and the car will die. But also, if the battery has quit so bad and maintains a voltage of no more than 8-1/2 volts or so the car will still die because there isn't enough voltage to maintain the computer and it will shut down.

Your battery is dead and alternator may not be charging. Try a jump start. If it starts, check voltage with engine running. If voltage is less than 13, remove the alternator and have it tested.

Battery voltage is definitely and issue. Charge your battery and have it tested before condemning the starter.

Sounds like a bad alternator. Drained your battery and when you turned on the lights it took all the power left in your battery. When you drain a battery down that far, they are real hard to jump, and coupled with the alternator, the car is not producing enough current to start and stay running.

I would take the alternator off and take it to oyur local auto parts store to be tested. If bad, replace it and charge the battery fully before starting. Then check voltage at battery with motor running. Should be 13.2 -14 Volts DC. If not, you may have a bad battery cable or blown fusible link. (especially that if the alternator tests good).....Mike

Put a meter on the battery and try to start it. CHeck the voltage during the time you try to start it. Should not drop below 11.5vdc.

You are correct. If your battery tests good, then the starter is your problem.

try turning motor over by hand, using a socket on crank, if motor turns over then possible starter motor

sounds like an alternater problem. the batt is not charging and is only running off the batt untill it runs out. check the wires ect on the alt and if that doesnt work, get a salvaged alt.