Fuse #8 (20amp) was blowing all the time on a 2000 dodge stratus 2.4L, assumed it was extra draw from a starter solenoid on its way out.

So put a larger (30amp) fuse in, and the car was ok for a few days.. then it would just click (assuming relay and starter) when I turn the key to start ... I just swapped out my starter for a rebuilt one from aap, which was a royal PITA.

The result, the same deal, starter / relay just clicks. I put my hand on the relay can feel it click, swapped it with the fan relay as another check, same deal.

I can hear the new starter just clicks, like somethings going on, and thats it. Looking at my wiring it all looks good to me, just wandering if anyone else had a similar thing go on...

When the fuse originally stared going I assumed, it could be starter switch, relay, or starter. Since I heard stuff going on at the relay and the starter I assumed it cant be the starter switch ... am I right on that assumption ?

whats going on .... I need help... what would you say would be the next step in diagnosing / fixing the beast ?

 

Ok, solution after 6 months it was a faulty battery, whacked a new one in and its started fine... however .. it quickly died as it sprung a fuel leak at the fuel pump connector ... when ever I turn it over it squirts fuel out ... lol .. guess the lines got crud in them.

Still if your fuse blows, add check battery to the possible causes ... that wasn't even on my radar !!