Starting Problems

tachessher · 06-23-2007, 01:33 AM

Hey guys,

Sometimes, when I turn the key to crank the motor, absolutely nothing happens... Almost like I have a dead battery... But, when I cycle the key a couple of times, (from off to start position) and then try to start it, it usually starts... What gives? I don't even know where to start troubleshooting. I have new cables, and the terminals are clean. I'd really like to fix this before it strands me...

ctbullrider · 06-23-2007, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tachessher

Hey guys,

Sometimes, when I turn the key to crank the motor, absolutely nothing happens... Almost like I have a dead battery... But, when I cycle the key a couple of times, (from off to start position) and then try to start it, it usually starts... What gives? I don't even know where to start troubleshooting. I have new cables, and the terminals are clean. I'd really like to fix this before it strands me...

This just happened to me not too long ago, except my truck would keep cranking and it just wouldn't fire. I took it in and all 6 of my injectors were fried ($4000) it was a spendy trip, but its an option for you. May also be electrical. Might just have to take it in and pay the $75 to get a diagnostic.
Good Luck!

Joe G. · 06-23-2007, 09:50 AM

The most likely cause of your problem is bad starter contacts. If that is what it is then you need to get it fixed ASAP. The contacts can stick and burn up your fuel solenoid. You can get some heavy duty contacts at: LarryB's Dodge starting problems solved here.

cumminspower01 · 06-23-2007, 10:59 AM

it could just be the starter. one way to tell is to get under the truck and hit it with a hammer a itme or two and it will start most of the time but if not you can bypass it if you get stranded! thats where i would start looking first.

azranger · 06-23-2007, 11:18 AM

I had the same thing but my truck just quit. Just got back from a run and jumped back in my truck to go to the store and nothing not even a click. crawled underneth and tapped the starter and finally got a click but that was it so sounds like a time for a new starter. But thats my opion. Also I say stay away from after market.

Joe G. · 06-23-2007, 12:09 PM

On these trucks it is almost always the starter contacts. No need to buy a new starter if that is all that is wrong with it. Take it off, remove the back cover to the solenoid, and look at the contacts. If one of them is really thin, then replace them. Easy job and pretty cheap.

As far as the after market is concerned, Larry Buck at Foster Trucks sells good stuff. His contacts are a LOT better and bigger than OEM. He also sells a diode kit that prevents a stuck starter from burning up the fuel solenoid.