Starting problem
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Warner Robins, GA
Starting problem
I'm having a little trouble starting my truck and want some opinions on the cause. I think I already know the cause and fix but I'd like a second opinion before I start replacing parts.
1995 Ram 1500, 318 auto. 150k miles. This is an intermittent problem that is happening more and more often, and there appears to be no pattern to it. When I turn the key I hear a loud click (starter solenoid is what it sounds like) but the starter will not turn. No repeated clicking like the battery is dead (it is good, less than a year old and tested fine). Just one click each time I turn the key and then nothing else. I will turn the ignition 5-10 times with a loud click each time and at some point the starter motor will engage and start the engine. When it engages, the starter turns at full speed and the engine starts without trouble.
I have tried multiple keys to make sure that the key is not worn out and failing to turn the ignition switch, but each key produces the same effect.
Sometimes the starter will catch on the first try, sometimes it take ten or more tries.
It does not matter if the engine is cold or warm.
With an assistant turning the key, I can hear a click at the starter relay in the under hood fuse box as well as a louder click from the solenoid on the starter assembly.
I am thinking that the starter solenoid is going bad. Any other guesses?
(other than I'm not holding my mouth right...)
1995 Ram 1500, 318 auto. 150k miles. This is an intermittent problem that is happening more and more often, and there appears to be no pattern to it. When I turn the key I hear a loud click (starter solenoid is what it sounds like) but the starter will not turn. No repeated clicking like the battery is dead (it is good, less than a year old and tested fine). Just one click each time I turn the key and then nothing else. I will turn the ignition 5-10 times with a loud click each time and at some point the starter motor will engage and start the engine. When it engages, the starter turns at full speed and the engine starts without trouble.
I have tried multiple keys to make sure that the key is not worn out and failing to turn the ignition switch, but each key produces the same effect.
Sometimes the starter will catch on the first try, sometimes it take ten or more tries.
It does not matter if the engine is cold or warm.
With an assistant turning the key, I can hear a click at the starter relay in the under hood fuse box as well as a louder click from the solenoid on the starter assembly.
I am thinking that the starter solenoid is going bad. Any other guesses?
(other than I'm not holding my mouth right...)
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19
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The issue you are having where the solonoid (sp?) clicks once but the starter is not engaging definately sounds like the contacts in the starter are worn out, or the brushes could be gone.
You can either rebuild the starter or just buy a new one. I know on my International 240 Utility Tractor, the brushes in the starter are gone and I will have to rebuild the starter (Can not locate one).
You can either rebuild the starter or just buy a new one. I know on my International 240 Utility Tractor, the brushes in the starter are gone and I will have to rebuild the starter (Can not locate one).