Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Starter stays on(without my permission)

[ndennis]

Good Afternoon,

It has been awhile since I was here last, but I return as a full-fledged TDR member who has a slight and annoying problem that I think somebody out there has the answer to:

I have a 2000 2500 QC 2WD ETC DEE and on 3 occassions the starter stays on after the engine comes to life. At first I thought I was hearing things and it took care of itself within 10-15 seconds. The last 2 times I was sorta in a panic until I got the batteries disconnected and it stopped. When I reconnected one battery it tried to start the again(with key off). I pulled the starter relay, but the same problem when I reconnected one battery. Just as I was about to give up and call a tow truck, I thumped the relay and the starter shut off after the truck started(like it is supposed to). I am inclined to believe that the solenoid(which I believe is built in to the starter) is the cause and the only cure is starter replacement. Is there anyone out there who has had this same problem? If the starter needs to be replaced, is this a Dodge item? or can I obtain one from a Cummins dealer? Any help in this matter is greatly appreciated.

N Dennis

 

[dkosheba]

I have not had that happen to me, but have read several post that cover the issue well. Do a search on Starter Contacts and I think there is an advertiser (Larry B) that sells over sized super starter contacts that I wanted to purchase and have on hand for just such an occasion.



Not knowing how many miles are on truck, I would say the replacement of worn out contacts might do the trick.



Don

 

[jtwcummins]

It is the contacts in the starter solenoid. Search links to get the URL for the repair kit, not necessary to change starter.

 

[ndennis]

Thank you fellow members...

Just contacted Larry B's and the boss told me what I needed and it is being sent overnight. Thanks guys. BTW it has 95000+ miles and this is the first true mechanical problem.

N Dennis

 

[dseabaugh]

A good whack with a hammer will shut it off. If you take a part the starter solenoid you will find one side has a deep notch burned in the contact ausing it to hang up. . replacing rhe contact with those made for a 24 volt solenoid will fix it for a long long time. maybe the last contacts you'll ever need.

 

[bmoeller]

Make sure not to lose the little steel ball when you take the plunger out getting at the contacts.

 

[aconnors]

Just installed Larry B's contacts and plunger. Ordered them Tuesday night and the arrived today (Friday) Larry B rocks! Contact rosted one side, just like the previous post said. Got 99. 000 miles and lots of starts out of the orig. contacts and batteries that I just topped off with distilled water. Any word on the Optima yellow tops long term?

 

[Jack in Alaska]

Starter

Just changed my contacts, after 119k miles, with Larry B. contacts and plunger. Easy fix.

Keep the starter up on end when taking the solenoid apart and the little ball will stay in the hole.

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

I ran yellow tops for years. I recommend them highly. I was curious if the alternator would burn one out but it didnt. There was some time where I just ran one yellow even in the winter. I am now running reds in some vehicles and yellow in the others. Reds are cheaper and unless you got a big stereo or a winch(high draw app) I would get the reds. Costco has em for under 100 bucks.

 

[ndennis]

Thanks for all the help. I pulled the truck into the hangar and managed to replace the contacts. I managed to keep the skin on my knuckles. One contact had very little wear on it and the other one was worn almost all the way through, which explains why the starter was staying on. On a different note: I did order a new Kalifornia approved High Output 3500 this past Saturday. I expect to take delivery beginning of March.