Ignition - Startup Problem
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Joined: May 2012
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Ignition - Startup Problem
Having a problem with ignition and startup on my 98 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9l v6. I've been battling this one for awhile now. It used to just do this during cold weather months, when temperatures dropped below a certain temperature (say 35 degrees or so). Now, I'm beginning to have the same problem regardless of the temperature:
When I turn the ignition, I get a loud click which I believe is the solenoid engaging. That's it. Nothing else. When this problem began (during cold weather months), I tried a load test on the battery (battery brand new as of June of 11) by turning my lights on and then cranking the ignition with a voltmeter attached. By turning the lights on, I must have changed something, because the engine cranked.
About 2 months ago, it began doing this regardless of temperature, and the headlight trick was no longer working as consistently. I had the battery tested, it is fine. I pulled the starter and had it checked and was told it was fine. Once I reseated the starter, for giggles I tried the ignition, and it worked. In fact, it has worked fine...up until this morning (2 months later).
So again, I pulled the starter, had it tested. It came back fine. Re-seated the starter, it cranks right up. A few hours later, same click, same lack of starter motor engaging. This time, I swapped the relay and it cranked right up. I changed the relay back to the original configuration, it cranks right up...
I am confused, because based on my understanding and experience, if it's the relay, it chatters when you try ignition, not a single solenoid click and nothing. I am also wondering if in a few hours I will be back to no ignition whatsoever. I have no idea if this problem is mechanical or electrical at this point. I've chased the wiring from the battery to the starter, everything looks fine. I've cleaned the battery terminals, as well as the connection terminals on the starter....but I'm still at a loss to figure out how changing the relay or re-seating the starter suddenly made it work (at least, briefly). It makes no sense.
Anyone had this issue, or have any ideas? I am at a loss here...
When I turn the ignition, I get a loud click which I believe is the solenoid engaging. That's it. Nothing else. When this problem began (during cold weather months), I tried a load test on the battery (battery brand new as of June of 11) by turning my lights on and then cranking the ignition with a voltmeter attached. By turning the lights on, I must have changed something, because the engine cranked.
About 2 months ago, it began doing this regardless of temperature, and the headlight trick was no longer working as consistently. I had the battery tested, it is fine. I pulled the starter and had it checked and was told it was fine. Once I reseated the starter, for giggles I tried the ignition, and it worked. In fact, it has worked fine...up until this morning (2 months later).
So again, I pulled the starter, had it tested. It came back fine. Re-seated the starter, it cranks right up. A few hours later, same click, same lack of starter motor engaging. This time, I swapped the relay and it cranked right up. I changed the relay back to the original configuration, it cranks right up...
I am confused, because based on my understanding and experience, if it's the relay, it chatters when you try ignition, not a single solenoid click and nothing. I am also wondering if in a few hours I will be back to no ignition whatsoever. I have no idea if this problem is mechanical or electrical at this point. I've chased the wiring from the battery to the starter, everything looks fine. I've cleaned the battery terminals, as well as the connection terminals on the starter....but I'm still at a loss to figure out how changing the relay or re-seating the starter suddenly made it work (at least, briefly). It makes no sense.
Anyone had this issue, or have any ideas? I am at a loss here...
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 318
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From: Missouri
Had the same issue with my Neon. When it got ridiculously cold out, it wouldn't crank at all and had to be push started. I replaced the batter with one that had more cranking amps and it solved the problem. A few months ago, it would randomly not start, and I had to rewire the positive connection, as the wires had rusted out and the connector no longer stayed on the terminal.
Check the wiring again, replace the connectors if you have to, seeing as they're so cheap. Double triple check the wires to the battery, alternator and starter. Maybe check the fuel pump relay? I know it's more of a starter issue. This is really all the expertise I have to offer :-/
Check the wiring again, replace the connectors if you have to, seeing as they're so cheap. Double triple check the wires to the battery, alternator and starter. Maybe check the fuel pump relay? I know it's more of a starter issue. This is really all the expertise I have to offer :-/
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,039
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From: NW suburbs of Chicago, IL
Months back I used to have an inconsistent startup. Most of the time it would start right up, but then other times it would just click. Turns out the positive terminal at the starter was pretty rusted and corroded. I shot some battery/terminal cleaner on it, and I haven't had a problem since then.
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
From: Sussex,WI
i also had the same problem with my neon, if it wouldnt crank, i would open the hood grab the pos cable and give it yank. got back in and all good. i replaced both the neg and pos cables, cleaned the connection points real good and never had a problem again.
