I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab V6. I just had the starter replaced no more than a month ago and I tried to start it yesterday and I got kind of a whining sound when I turned the key. Sort of the sound you might hear if the starter was going out. I tried it two more times and the 3rd time it did turn over. I had a "reputable" mechanic replace the starter but before I start pointing fingers, could the fuel pump be going out? About 4 weeks before the starter went out I noticed it was taking a bit longer for the engine to turn over. In other words, when I turned the key before the engine wouldn't hesitate to turn over, then all of the sudden it was taking a good couple of seconds to turn over. So now since the starter has been replaced and I am still having trouble starting the truck, could it now be the fuel pump? Thanks in advance for any positive input anyone has.

 

fuel pump won't affect how fast the engine spins over. Corroded battery connections will.

The fuel pump affects how long the engine spins over before catching.