Hey Guys, I have been having troubles getting my truck started. It seems like the batteries have been getting lowbecause the engine turns over very slow when trying to start it. Then yesterday, I had slow starting with it and the next time I shut it off it started perfectly. Well, today I go out to turn it over and it turns a couple of times and sticks. Won't turn over, won't even turn. The starter makes one click and that is it. So I tried jumping it, got my volt meter almost to 14 volts on the truck and still the same thing.

Any ideas on whether the starter would be causing this problem or if I should be looking to replace batteries?

 

The starter dragging sounds like battery's. But the one click and nothing....starter. #1 check and replace starter fuse. On my truck it is under the hood in the fuse box. #2 clean all four battery terminals. #3 maybe have all four battery's checked not only for voltage, but a load test to check for ampage.

Even after all that, it just might be the starter it self.

 

That is kind of what I was thinking. That the batteries cannot handle the load the starter is putting on it. I will disconnect the starter and see if I can get it to turn without the load on it. If it can then I am going for batteries.

 

???? Ok I'm lost on what you're gonna do. For a load test, just take them down to your local AutoZone, Pep Boys, Napa and or Kragen. They will test them for free.

 

I am going to remove the starter and see if it will spin not connected to the motor. I don't have a second vehicle to remove the batteries and take them to autozone.

 

OK, I got ya. Make sure you clean all the battery terminals first, before you yank that stater. But honestly, I'd put my money on the starter.

 

It's been my experience that even a bad starter will work fine on the bench.

 

I am trying to loacte a starter. AutoZone and Carquest don't have them. Any ideas short of going to Dodge?

 

Try your local cummins dealer or a salvage yard and rebuild the starter using the salvaged starter.

 

I just bought one from Carquest at the begining of the month. Before I bought it, I called around for a price. All of the parts stores you mentioned did have one in stock.

 

You can find them on Ebay for the 94-2002 they will work but you have to cut the end of the solenoid wire off and crimp a eyelet on the end. They run from 98.99 to about 125.00 plus shipping. I just installed one on my truck at 105000 miles. these 3rd gens crank longer so the brushes ware out in the starter faster. You can also check the solenoid contacts they can be replaced.

 

I would say it's the starter too...try Napa

 

Well pulled the starter, Tested it. It is no bueno! Autozone wants $130.00, Dodge wants $650.00. Niether place has them in stock. CarQuest has no part numbers for them in their system.

So it looks like Auto Zone it is - just have to wait till Tuesday.

Thanks For the help guys.

 

try napa they usually carry/stock 5.9 cummins starters...you might find it today???

 

I would have thought the starter should last longer than that, thats less than 3 years service life! How many miles do you have on it?