2001 manual starter clicks but not always starting

[SmokinJoe]

Hi Guys,

I almost got stranded at work in the parking lot. I parked on a slight incline so if I had to I could roll and dump the clutch...

Is it the Starter or Ignition switch? I have a 2001 2500 RAM with a manual. I have recently had to click the key several times to get the starter to engage and start the truck. When I roll the key to the start position I hear the click of what i think is the solenoid or Bendix gear going in. Nothing happens for several clicks and then it starts, I had to roll down a slight hill at work and in reverse bump the starter at lunch today to get it to start. Should I just have the starter rebuilt? original 165k and 18 years old. LOL

I am concerned that I also have a ignition that is worn out... :-(

 

[DavidC]

More than likely it's the starter contacts.

Dave

 

[DavidC]

If the battery cables and connections are good then
http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge-denso-starter-solenoid-kit-89-2006.html

Dave

 

[SmokinJoe]

OK, I will pull it now, I have someone in town that rebuilds them.

Thanks Dave for being so quick on the draw!

 

[DavidC]

Welcome

Dave

 

[Missouri Mule]

Your problem could be your starter relay in your pdc ( located drivers side near fender behind battery.

 

[DavidC]

Said he could hear what he thought was the solenoid engaging, after that it's a direct connection from the battery thru the starter contacts to the armature. Time will tell.

Dave

 

[Missouri Mule]

Actually their's the 1. Ignition switch 2. Starter relay. 3. Starter ( solenoid and the main part of the starter)
As far as contacts and relay I have changed them about equally in the last 22 years. I take that back I went thru 2 Napa starters and a reman Denso. Beside my original starter which lasted 16 years. Which I brought back to life but it disappeared.
I now have another auto parts starter on.

 

[DavidC]

Yeah but 1 & 2 are for the Solenoid. If he heard the solenoid it is still a direct connection to the contacts in the starter. The first two are control circuits with no real load except the solenoid.

Dave

 

[Missouri Mule]

Yes but the starter relay contacts click also and you can hear them if the starter doesn't run( spin). And the relay is very easy to rule out. You just need a short wire trimmed on both sides.

 

[DavidC]

Been 10 days.