EVERY time i try to start my 94 dakota all i get is a ckicking noise? the battery is fully charged and less than 6 months old, It will start, but only after clicking 5-10 times, sometimes more than that! What do i need to check?

it has the 5.2 magnum engine, and auto trans. all stock with under 90.000 miles.


I'm afraid it wont start one day and leave me stranded. Help!

 

Sounds like a bad connection somewhere. The starter motor is directly wired to the battery and the "kick forward" solenoid is connected through a relay. The whole system is grounded through the motor. For the complete wire diagram, check the links in faq2.

 

very big possibility that its the starter solenoid!

take it out and get it tested.

 

could be starter or the starter solenoid

 

check your connections first! i replaced my starter twice cause im a big dummy in boots and didnt double check my connections!

 

Thanks! i will give them a check.

 

next time it clicks tap on the starter with something that will reach it. if it turns over after tapping then is a starter issue.

 

we have a van at work. it has a **** wack of KM on it though. Does the same thing. Its the tumbler.

 

back in the 80's that was a common occurrence. it was the solonoid on the fender of fords. you had to have a couple of spares to get by. on the new models it's the same, check the copper strip from the solenoid to the starter. probably lots of buildup.
now everyone just replaces the whole unit. waste of money for a 1hr job.

big dreams-low budget