Hello everyone. I joined the forum a few months back, but this is my first post. I have a 92 Dodge Dakota that has intermittent problems. It used to be just when it was cold, it would not start up, but it has been getting worse. I've read about the "infamous splice" and suspected it but just yesterday inspected what I think is the splice, and it looks like the fusible link is still in place (on mine it looks like it's a green wire running outside of the wiring harness' plastic enclosure?) Could it still be bad under the plastic?

Basically what my truck does is. When I turn the key, I hear a click under the hood and does nothing. I can hear what i assume is the fuel pump coming on when i first turn the key, and sometimes the truck will crank right up and others i can sit there and try it for 20 minutes and it just clicks. sometimes it acts like it almost cranks, but quits turning the engine before it starts running.

 

first thought check battery cables both cables and both ends clean and tight then ck starter relay...

Do you know what is clicking....a relay or starter?

 

Find out where the click is comming from. To me it sounds like it is the starter. Get it replaced or rebuilt.

 

is it kind of loud? sounds a little like metal slapping itself? if so, replace/rebuild the starter like Crazy4x4RT said

 

Hi, My 1992 Dodge Caravan is doing the same thing. You description of the sound is (repetitive metal slapping). I have a question however. When I jump my caravan from another vehicle it starts just fine. If it's the starter why would this happen. Thanks so much!
Jim

 

Try cleaning the battery terminals/connectors. After replacing my water pump (Water was going everwhere) My truck wouldnt crank. The ammeter read 8. Stumped, I thought it was a bad battery, all it would do is 'click'. Cleaned everything up, and it was totally fine. Weird what a bad connection will do - as the infamous splice has proven as well.

 

The extra power from the other vehicle is helping. The starter is not completely dead, just dieing.