ok , i have a 2005 dodge ram 1500 with the 5.7, and i went out to start it and all it did when i turned it over was click, not rapid clicks, jus one click and nothing. i would turn the key off and then try to turn it over and still one click. i noticed that the battery gauge was at almost half so i replaced it with a brand new battery and it is still reading jus under half voltage and still clicks once every time i turn the key over. Im thinkin either the alternator or the starter. Anybody know??? id appreciate any help

 

Welcome to DF.

First, before anything else, please read this:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-ra...s-section.html

I will move this to the 3rd gen section for ya.

 

I'm leaning at the starter. I had a very similar problem with mine. I went under and hit the starter with a rubber mallet. Went to try it again, turned right over. I replaced it after my "diagnosis" though. A lot of the time the mallet trick won't work. My dad always told me to go under and put a wrench between the solenoids to make a connection for it to start and have someone turn the key....never tried that (don't recommend that either...lol).

Do you know how old the starter is?

Most auto part stores can test it for free for you. If you have another car to get to the store, just go under and take it off and bring it in. The starter isn't hard to get at or take off. There are a few How-to's on this forum with that info on it.

If it was the alt, you'd be able to start it..the battery would just eventually die on you.