Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Help with starter problem

[DTangstrom]

My problem started yesterday morning when I could not start the truck. I found that I had blown a 20A fuse in the Power Distribution center for the starter. I replaced it and the truck turned right over. I went home and looked for loose battery connections or bad grounds that may have caused the fuse to blow, but found nothing obvious. The truck started fine a dozen or so more times until this afternoon until I had to replace that same fuse. Has anyone ever experienced a problem like this. I was thinking perhaps this was the starter's way of failing rather than the usual ticks and free spins. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Thomas]

Take a look at Service Action #00-01: http://dodgeram. info/tsb/2000/Sa_00-01.htm

Also look at TSB 08-01-00 Rev A: http://dodgeram. info/tsb/2000/08-01-00.htm

 

[DTangstrom]

Take a look at Service Action #00-01: http://dodgeram. info/tsb/2000/Sa_00-01.htm



Also look at TSB 08-01-00 Rev A: http://dodgeram. info/tsb/2000/08-01-00.htm

I noticed how small that wire was. The truck would not start at all this morning so I had to put a starter in it, before I read all the above. I started it about dozen times with no problems. I'll see how the next few days go. What I don't understand is why has the truck started without a problem for about 90,000 miles. I would think that if inadequate wiring was a problem it would have presented itself 5 yrs. ago. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks again.

 

[Thomas]

"... I had to put a starter in it... "

Ouch!

I have a model year 2000 Ram with 120,000+ miles on it and no starting problems. I carry a few 25 amp fuses as well as a spare set of starter solenoid contacts with me.

I don't know if you have a Factory Service Manual or not. You can see the OEM starting system wiring by printing out the revised wiring diagram (linked near the bottom of TSB 08-01-00). To see the OEM circuit, cross out the 30 amp fuse link, the unlabled relay above the starter motor, and all associated wires. Now draw a wire connecting terminal 87 of the relay labled engine starter motor relay and the pull in & hold in coils of the starter motor.

A look at the OEM and revised circuits shows the marginal OEM 20 amp fuse has been replaced by a 30 amp fuse link, along with larger wire that can handle 30 amps.


It's quite possible that aging starter solenoid contacts could have caused current to flow through the OEM 20 amp fuse in the PDC for a longer period of time than in the past, causing the recent fuse-blowing episodes. Most of the contact problems I've heard about involve clicking noises plus no-start except with repeated key turns.


Another good link to be aware of is to the famous LarryB: http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm