I have a 99 Durango. I thought my starter was bad but after reading on a forum I have found out that I should change the battery cables and terminals first before replacing the starter. We usually don't work on the Durango but they wanted 586.00 to fix the starter and that is just crazy so we are trying this repair on our own. I was able to get the neg (black) cable off but we are having problems with the positive (red) cable that attatches from the battery to the starter. Can someone please help or give me a suggestion on how to get this loose? What kind of tool did you use and how were you able to get it loose from the starter. There isn't much room at all and it's very hard to get to. I will greatly appreciate any input on this. THANKS!!

 

Buy a new cable connector For your connection to the battery . I'd say something brass...
It may just be your battery has a low charge
It shouldn't be hard to get off. if it is it may have been lose and corroded over time.

 

unless you can see damage to the battery cables, or terrible, uncleanable corrosion, or the insulation is broken, i don't see the point in removing the cables.

how old is the battery ? is it fully charged, such that you can turn on the headlights and try the starter at the same time. and when you do that, do the lights go sort of dim like they should if you're pulling a lot of amps ?

if there's any question about the battery, just replace it.
then if you're pretty sure its the starter, remove it and take it to autozone or advance, etc and they'll test it for free.

 

The easiest way it to remove the tire the side the tire is on and there are panels in the wheel well that open up to allow you to get a better angle in that area. Still not much room but alot better then trying to do it from the top.

 

After you loosen the terminal you can turn it using a pair of channel locks and it should come off the battery. Clean and re-install.


On the drivers side is a panel you can pull out. Here is a section from my starter install DIY. Here are some instructions if you want to remove the lower lug on the starter.

1. Disconnect the negative cable form the battery. (A MUST HERE!)

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2. Jack up and support the driver’s side front wheel and remove.

3. This is a great time to check Brakes, Linings, Tie Rod ends and Joints, Ball Joints, and Control Arm.

4. Place a garbage bag over the Hub and Control Arm assembly. As you reach across this assembly, grease or other contaminates can coat brakes or the clothes you are wearing and cause health or other mechanical problems.

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5. Remove the access cover from the inside right of the drivers side wheel well. This is above the Control Arm assembly. Note: This is where the Brake Balancer / Proportioning Valve is located.

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6. Reach into the space between the frame and the body to access the starter. There are 2 electrical connections and 2 bolts that install the starter and solenoid.

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7. Take the 8 mm wrench and disconnect the forward facing electrical connection. This should be the chrome looking smaller connection. Note: This is the lead from the key switch.

8. Disconnect the larger electrical connection with the ½ inch box end wrench. It should be copper in color and consistency. Note: This is the Battery Cable end directly from the battery terminal.

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<<good post hydra>>

thats what I was trying to say but looks like it dint come out that way.. LOL getting tired I guess

 

Thanks!

I remembered I had it around here!

 

Another quick way is to use a multimeter and stick the probe into the wire at the starter and the other lead up at the battery=you shouldn't get very much resists...Don't forget your grounds= make sure you have a ground from the battery to motor and chassis...If your terminals and battery checkout check and see how many amps the starter is pulling out of the battery=you should be able to use the amp feature on the multimeter as long as it can read d.c. amps if not Napa sell a nice one you just hold to the cable and it will show...here's a link that may help you also..

http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/...uston-Tx/49857

and heres a link for the 22buck amp tool from Napa=buy one trust me..

http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S...083_0006398680

 

Reviving a dead thread here. Why is it, every forum I visit with the same questions, the answers are always "Don't do it." Or "have a professional do it." Kind of defeats the purpose of having a forum at all.
ANYWAY... I do clearly have a cable problem with my starting system, but its the cable, apparently, that nobody carries. My ground from battery and fuse block, out into the system. Yes its corroded, yes the insulation is cracked and chipping off. No I cant find one listed for sale anywhere. Any ideas other than strip the whole harness down and measure the cables to make my own?

Btw this is on my 2000 Durango 4x4 5.7L - everybody sells, just the positive cable.

 

Can you take a picture of it? I've made my own but there are generic cables available that will usually replace what you need. It never hurts on a ground to go with a heavier gauge cable.