really confused here. My starter is stuck engaging, I’ve never had any issues with this truck, or the starter since I’ve owned it, it currently has 113k on the odometer. Truck worked perfectly fine yesterday and went to start it today and the battery was dead, upon connecting jumper cables the starter engages. I hit the starter a few times to see if it was stuck and was able to get a charge and it worked as normal, shut it off and it began to repeat the problem. As far as the in formation I’ve found, the starter solonoid is connected to the body of starter, and not mounted on the engine bay or anything. That was I first thought could be the culprit. It does have a remote start installed from previous owner, I’m not entirely convinced that is the problem as a few taps in the starter it acted “normal” what do you guys figure is the beat route to go? Talk about bad timing right after Christmas.. I’m new here, so I’ll introduce myself here as well, my names mike and I’ve owned multiple dodges, to be specific 3 dodge neon SRT4’s and man do I miss them! First problem with my 2000 Dakota and dang... I hope it’s a pretty simple fix, I really enjoy this pickup. Not tying to lose faith In her now! It carried me and all my belongings from MI to WA without a hiccup. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Will replacing the starter fix this demon that starts my truck without keys?!? BAD DAKOTA! BAD!

 

Welcome to the forum.

The ignition switch controls the starter relay which is located in the PDC, the fuse box under the hood. That relay will trigger the starter to engage.
Since beating on the starter seems to fix the problem, I'd think the problem is with the starter.

You can take it out and get it tested at most parts stores.

 

new starter. Solenoid is indeed part of the starter motor, sounds like the contacts are sticking.

 

What all tools are needed or preferred? I’ve done some research and can’t find any certain specifics

 

Just basic hand tools. 9/16ths or 15mm wrench, I think the nut on top is a bit bigger, maybe 5/6ths, or 17mm, one fat wire, one little wire, and out it comes.

 

Be sure to disconnect the battery first!

 

Appreciate it! It’s currently pouring rain here in Washington so I’m hoping to wait til a gap comes! Battery is currently out of the truck, wasn’t take any chances of that thing trying to start itself again and some how catch fire by burning up the starter or wires etc. removed the whole battery last night

 

The mounts are both 7/16 thread 5/8 wrench. The bottom is a bolt, the top is a stud. The stud may or may not come out with the nut.