The other night my wife took our 1999 Durango to the store, she got about a half mile, the truck's engine area became smokey and the check gauges light came on, she panicked, parked the truck, then called me. I arrived to find a dead truck, no power at all and the smell of some seruiously burnt rubber. I got it home and attempted to hook up my charger to get some juice, when I put the battery back in and tried to hook up the cables the car cranked all by itself! No key in the ignition! It will crank until I remove the battery cable. I went in the house to google it, went back out to the truck about an hour later, put the cable on the post, nothing! The truck started, a little weird noise coming from the starter but it started. It will self crank on it's own periodically. A footnote here is that for a few weeks prior to this incident the truck was clicking when we tried to start it, it would click when we turned the key for about 3 or 4 times then it would start. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

 

the clicking starter usually means the battery is too weak to start the engine

idk about anything else tho

 

You burned the coil up.

You need to replace the starter. The coil is attached to the starter and come in one package. I really like the Auto Zone Duralast. Only buy a brand new one absolutly no rebuilds.

 

+1 never buy anything but new parts evey, just asking for trouble

 

Thanks, but what initiated the starter to engage all by itself? I don't want to replace the starter and cook another one. Much appreciated advice fellas! Mike

 

The coil initiates the starter. The power runs through the coil from the battery. When the key switch is engaged it sends power to the coil.The coilopens the main power supply from the battery cable into direct contact to the starter. The problem is the coil is worn out and continued contact with the starter to battery.

Now the other cause could be the starter spring is broken or malfuntioning. This would causesome overheating issue's as well.(more into the body and a lot of sound)

Replacing the starter/coil combo will fix the problem. Like I said they are on one unit and are replaced together.

 

Thanks Hydrashocker for the recommendation. I will replace the starter. It looks difficult, is it? Do I actually have to remove the manifold bolts and maneuver it?You have been much help, thanks again!

 

how about the ignition switch sticking. had that happen on my jeep

 

Good question ghog. This is a posibility?

If you take the drivers front tire off there is an access panel that can be removed. It doesn't provide much help but it is some. It is easier to take it out between the frame and the firewall through the wheel well on the 5.9L. No need to remove anything esle.You will need to maneuver it around but you'll get it.

 

Thanks to all. I truly appreciate the advice.
The bolts (2) are melted on I think!!! Hard to reach too!
Probably from the incident that created all the smoke in the first place. I have been using PB Blaster all day waiting for it to loosen. I do not want to shear them! Great forum!
I'll let you know how I make out.