Hello, new member here, having a very aggravating time with my starter. last week on the first start up in the morning, the starter just free spun, didn't engage the flywheel. Second try, it fired right up. did so for the rest of the day. Next morning , same thing. Went and replaced the starter. next morning, same thing. First try she just spins, next try fires right up. So I went and got a new interstate battery, figured I must have it solved. next morning, nope,. first try just a whir, second try good. Put another starter on. Next day, same. Though maybe I was getting bad starters, put on a third, and next day, same thing. Cleaned all ground wires to a shine and replaced terminal ends. Still no good. First try she just spins, turn key back then forward again and she fires right up. Also replaced starter relay out of desperation. Nothing. Please help, on my sixth day of working on this, driving me nuts! 1999 ram 1500 4wd with a 318.

 

Moved to the correct section. Welcome to DF.

 

Check what voltage you are getting down to the solenoid, from the starter relay. Think it needs to be at least nine volts for it to trigger properly.

Did you also clean the spot where the start mounts?? Clean the starter good? (yes, I know its new, but, clean it anyway.) Starter grounds through it's mount points.

 

I did try grounding the starter directly from the lower mounting bolt to the negative battery post. Made no difference. And how exactly would I check voltage at the solenoid? Suppose it doesn't have proper voltage, what may be causing that? Sorry for so many questions, this just really has me stumped. Can fix most anything with our vehicles normally. Thank you kindly.

 

Need a volt meter, and another warm body. Disconnect the wire from the starter..... (you really don't wanna be under there if it starts.....) Have the other warm body turn the key, while you check voltage.

 

Went out this morning and hit the starter with a hair dryer for about five minutes, then tried it. Fired right up as usual. First time since I began having this issue a week ago. Do you think its possible to get three consecutive defective starters? Do advanced auto starters have a reputation for being cheap or shoddy? Its been real cold over night but have never heard of a Bendix freezing up.

 

I've pretty much quit buying parts from our local advanced auto. The people are great but the parts suck. Get on Rock Auto and buy a Remy gold starter. I think there are discount codes on this site for Rock Auto.

 

Ok, fourth starter, same deal. I'm convinced its not that. voltage checks out good with key off, and again when cranked. Battery cables and ends were also replaced couple days ago. Any other suggestions? Getting ridicules.

 

Try using a jumper wire from the battery or a push button remote start. Maybe you're not getting enough voltage from the ignition switch to properly trip the starter solenoid.

 

That's sure what it sounds like to me.......