Morning, All. This is my first time here, so hello.
Here's my problem. My truck (2000 Dakota [surprise!], 3.9L, auto, 4x4) would not start. I didn't get that CLIKCLIKCLIK sound like when the battery's dead; there was no sound at all, except MAYBE (and this could just be me) a slight hmmm when I turn the key. I live in SE CT and those of you in southern New England know it's been real yoomid lately. The truck has sat in the driveway for about a week w/o being driven (carpool), so I was wondering if perhaps the excessive yoomiditee had corrdoded something. [I'm at work, soI can't look at it right now]. Any ideas? Please? <:-\

 

Do you have an automatic? have u tried starting it in nutral? Check all fuses also, and make sure the batery isnt dead, test with a voltmeter, you should see 12V on the batery.

 

Yes.
No.
Will do.
Thanks!

 

[size=2]I'm back! It happened again. AAARRGGH!! Same situation, sits in the driveway for about a week, then PFFFT. Slow drain--checked with multimeter, and this time it was down to about 7.5V. Last time it was 4+-/. My wife seems to think it's my radar detector doing it. My 12V outlet does stay on with the engine off, but I have a hard time buying her argument, because A) it's a radar detector. It's only drawing for a few teeny LEDs, and B)I've had a radar detector in that truck ever since I got it in 2002 (or 1?). Why would it just now become a monster battery hog? Oink.[/[/font]size]

[IMG]local://upfiles/40758/58DDE5E522864967BB9E5F471A01CE77.jpg[/IMG]

 

i agree that it could be the radar detector. (me agreeing with a woman, who would have guessed?) try running it in your accessory 12 volt plug, not your constant. that way it will be running only when your truck is on. either way, it will tell you if the radar detector is your problem or not. is it your original battery? are you making sure that it is taking a full charge? test your alternator output (i highly doubt that is the problem, but who knows) let us know what you find!


chris

 

It's not the radar detector, it's time for a new battery. Don't do like I did and ignore the warning signs, then jump back in the truck at a rest stop 200 miles from home, and nada, nothing. At least have it tested at a parts store.