I have a 97 Dakota with the V8 Magnum engine. When I go to start it, there's a click noise and that's it. My headlights do not dim at all, so I'm pretty sure it's not the battery. If I back the key off and then try again, it'll work on the third or fourth try. Is this the starter? If so, how hard is it to replace? Is there an external relay for the starter or is it built in?

 

starter solenoid. Starters aren't hard to replace if you can get under your truck. Couple of bolts and a couple of nuts, that's it.

 

solenoid, can not be replaced seperatly. the days of a $12 solenoid fix are over. sorry

 

Just replaced the starter on my brothers 97. It was doing the exact same thing. EASY to change!