Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Blowing fuses

[kglenn]

Need some help, I have a 00 3/4 4x4 that has started blowing the 20 amp starter sol fuse. I can replace the fuse, start the truck and drive off with no problems. When I shut the truck off and then restart later it will blow the fuse again. Truck will run fine and all gauges and assesories work fine. I was wondering if it might have something to do with the solenoid. I have replaced contacts on two of my other trucks before, but they never blew any fuses. Any ideas?

 

[darkhorse]

I blew mine a couple of winters ago. I replaced it with a 25 amp as I didn't have another 20. It's worked fine ever since.

 

[kglenn]

I just replaced mine with a 25 amp about two hours ago. Drove home, killed truck, tried to restart and blew another fuse. Anyone have an idea where to start looking?

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

I would make sure all cable connections are good on the starter, the PDC, and batteries. If all good and still blowing fuses I would pull the starter off and have it bench tested by a local rebuilder.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[kglenn]

Thanks for the replies. I will check everything as blacksheepdiesel has suggested when we return from the city for thanksgiving. By the way, my truck is a standard, is there a possibility that the clutch safety switch could cause this problem? Thanks for all help and everyone have a safe and happy thanksgiving.

 

[WestTN]

A dirty connection is not a short, it is an open, so will not blow a fuse. Check or replace your starter solenoid contacts.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

A corroded connection can create more heat than normal which can blow a fuse.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Midnite]

Mine started blowing fuses in exactly the same manner you describe and it turned out to be the starter solenoid contacts. If you haven't replaced or rebuilt your starter since the truck was new in 2000, it's almost guaranteed your problem is the contacts.

Buy a solenoid rebuild kit here:

LarryB's Dodge starting problems solved here.

LarryB's kit has bigger contacts with more surface area and are much better than the little stock contacts. It's well worth the $40.

Mike

 

[kglenn]

Thanks for the help guys. Just got back so I will be checking all suggestions listed above tomorrow. The contacts have never been changed on this truck, so it could my problem. This truck just isn't showing the same symptems my other trucks had when the contacts started going bad. Worst part is I put my last contact kit on my daughters truck a few months back and never did order a replacement. I will tell you what I find later. Hope everyone Had a good Thanksgiving.

 

[kglenn]

Well guys, I found my problem. I checked over all the connections I thought had to do with the starter and I did find some that needed attention. Got in my truck, started it up and had no problems for the rest of the day. Then today I started her up and the the starter stayed engaged and the truck wouldn't shut off, so I have my LarryB,s kit coming from Geno's. Thanks for everyone's help.