2001 intermittent starts
 

After looking through the site for the past couple of days and not finding my exact problem, I figured I'd try to explain the issue I'm having with my 2001Dakota 2.5l.

For the past couple of days, I've been having an odd starter quirk that seems to happen randomly. Sometimes when I go to start the truck, I'll turn the key, all the accessories come on, I can hear the fuel pump do its thing, and nothing from the starter.

I can sit and keep turning the key and at some point the truck turns over and runs without any issues. I haven't noticed any type of pattern to this issue; hot, cold, wet, dry... doesn't seem to matter.

Here is info on my truck:

2001 Dakota Sport ext. cab
2.5l, 5 speed
228,000 miles
not really any major issues. regular maintenance issues.

Check the start connection for rust and corrosion.

thanks i will check it.

Do you hear the relay in the PDC click when you turn the key?

Could be the clutch interlock switch failing. If you cycle the pedal does it help?

Could also just be the starter solenoid failing.

Lots of coulda's.

yes the relay is working. the clutch pedal has no effect on it. and i checked the cable to the starter. i was also thinking about the solenoid going. it's truck been on the truck since it was new.

but due to current health, i am unable to crawl around under as i would like.

That's OK. If you hear the relay in the PDC click the clutch pedal switch is OK. Basically, you're looking either at a loose/corroded connection to the starter or a problem with the starter or solenoid itself.

FYI, I once had intermittent starts due to a loose starter. The bolts hadn't been put in tight after some work and backed out causing a poor ground.

thanks guys... i think i found the culprit... loose wire from battery to starter... got it back tight and we will see...