I'm having problems getting my Durango started. Yesterday when I was about to head home after work, the engine wouldn't turn. I know that nothing could have been draining the batteries over the 10 hour span it was sitting, and I haven't had any issues at all recently (besides a TPS repair 4 months back).

I got a jump start, and was able to drive 8 or so miles home fine. The Durango would not start up at all. Just like some other users, I heard clicking noises from in front of the wheel while the lights went out as if it were trying to turn. When I put the key in, the dash lights come on slowly, there is the normal ringing, and no check engine light. I cycled it on and off--sometimes the radio would have enough juice to turn on, sometimes not. When I turn on the headlights, I get the same clicking.

I scoured the internet and tried a few possible fixes. I checked the battery with my brand new multimeter (12.56 volts), and cleaned off the battery cables and posts (I used baking soda and steel wool). Nothing seems to be working. I checked the fusebox and everything seems fine.

It's a 2001 Durango SLT V8.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help me out, I miss my Durango!!

 

CTM can give you some funky problems with clicking and all that but I'm not too sure with what you are describing. It could still be a bad connection, possibly a loose ground, I would check that first. If you have any more info on the issues let us know.

 

It ended up just being a lemon of a battery. It was relatively new (about two years), but went bad abnormally fast. I swapped out for a new one, cleaned out the compartment, bought new contacts, installed it, and everything works perfect.

For anybody else who might be experiencing similar issues, buy a multimeter ($20) and check the battery voltage. With the engine and everything off, the voltage should be about 12.5v (no matter what vehicle you have). Keeping the engine off, slowly turn on more accessories. The voltage shouldn't drop more than a volt or two, depending on how much you turn on (lights, radio, A/C, etc.). My dud battery dropped to less than 6 volts with just the blower and running lights on (not sufficient to give the starter OR headlights enough juice, thus the relay clicking). As I understand, this drop in voltage is normal on old batteries as they lose their ability to hold a charge. With the brand new battery and engine off, the voltage doesn't even drop below 11.5v with radio blasting, A/C on highest, and headlights on. If you think your battery isn't the problem, this test should help verify.

 

Glad to hear you found your problem.