Alright guys the dodge has done it again. I have an 05 Dakota with the 4.7. 64,000 miles.

Driving to work my truck ran perfectly normal, as usual. However when I was leaving work, my truck would not start. Not the battery because all the lights, dashboard, and fuel pump come on when the key is turned to ON.

However when I turn to start it, all the lights go dead and it will not turn over. The dashboard gauges also go completely bizerk and I hear ticking noises. Could this be the alternator? Or something else?

I just had it towed home for free from triple A after being stranded for 2 and a half hours.

Thanks in advance guys

 

Maybe a bad connection on the battery posts. Happened to me before on a different car.

 

same here. actually melted a battery post from the arc welding that was going on between connector and post.

enough amperage to do lights, but resistance overcomes when trying to fire the starter.

 

Check the ignition fuse as well. Mine had a tendency to not seat properly and would do the same thing. I would re-seat it and it would work great.

 

Your battery can still be dead. It will provide the voltage necessary for the lights, but when it comes to those needed Cold Cranking Amps it will do as you describe.

 

definitely check the battery and connections.

 

I have a 97 Dakota with a grounding problem. I'll be running a new ground wire today.

 

Your battery is shot. Its charged, that's why the lights and whatnot turn on. But it has no amps. Amps are the amount of work your battery can do.

Think of amps as horsepower and charge like fuel in the tank.

The clicking noise you hear is the solonoid on the starter bouncing.

 

Concur. Battery has run its course. Still holds sufficient charge to run the lights but not enough to fully engage the solenoid or turn. Have had the exact same symptoms at a dead batt on a few occasions (different vehicles), now I religiously change it every two years whether it seems like it needs it or not. This Florida heat kills batteries.

When was the last time yours was replaced?