I'm not a real genius when it comes to my truck but when i figure out what is wrong with it, whether its from DodgeForum or my Chilton i have no problem fixing it myself.

My latest issue is that my truck is having problems starting. Ive had an issue with my battery over the past few weeks. Ive been told the battery is good and i have good connections but i assumed it was a short(every time the engine sat for a day it would kill the battery.) So being that i have had no time to find the short ive been disconnecting my battery every time i parked my truck. After a weekend away i went to start my truck, hooked up my battery but it would not start. After turning the ignition it just makes a loud tick sound. My wildest guess is that my starter is bad. Im hoping that is right. If you know ANY informtion to help me resolve my occurring issue it will be greatly appreciated!


1998 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2l

 

Make sure the battery has a good charge. See if it will start with a jump....

One loud click suggests most things are working..... make sure you have 12 volts on the fat wire at the starter.

Also, make sure your glove box lite isn't staying on, and running the battery dead. That, or the under hood light.

 

Great. Ill start by trying all of these! Ill let you know the results

 

Tried putting a fresh battery i had laying around in my truck and it still just ticked. Charged the battery i had and still nothing just a tick every time i turn the key. My starter wire is reading 12.87 volts. Checked all my connections and they are all good. Should i be buying a starter or is that not the problem?

And answering the short issues. My under the hood lamp does not stay on after i shut the hood and my glovebox lamp is the same way. I HAVE NO IDEA WHATSOEVER ON HOW TO FIND A SHORT. Haha

 

Where is the tick coming from? The starter? Or the PDC?? Could try swapping the starter relay with the horn relay, and see if that doesn't make any difference.

 

Its just one loud tick like it has half a battery and it doesnt want to turn over at all. I cant tell you where its coming from because im in the truck at the time turning the key.

 

Tapped the starter with a hammer and it started right up. Does this mean i need a new starter and/or solenoid??

 

Replace the starter and when doing so check all connections closely for any damage

 

Lol!! I love fixing things this way

 

Fixed the battery drainage issue thanks to the glovebox idea, just gotta put in a new starter tomorrow! Thanks all!