Hi all, my 1996 Dodge Ram will not start. When I turn it over I get a fast clicking noise. The interior lights and stereo worked. I was sucsessful at jump starting it, but after shutting it off, it will not restart. Putting a multimeter across the battery leads shows that my battery is dead. 0 volts DC. After getting this reading I was amazed that my lights etc worked. The battery posts were filthy but I cleaned them. I guess I need a battery? Is there anything else that I can do to know if I need an altenator also. Thanks Alan

aschiftner(at)gokingsnet(dot)com

 

Your new battery (fully charged) should read 12.6v Engine off
engine running it should read 13v or higher if your Alt. is ok

 

while the car is running, disconnect the cable to the positive side of the battery... if the engine stalls, your alternator is not functioning... if it continues to run, it's your battery.