Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starting Problem

[SWashabaugh]

Here yesterday on my 1995 ram ctd it started starting really slow as if the batteries were dead. But it started so i ran it down the street and back hoping that it would charge the batteries and everything would by fine but it natually it wasn't. So today i go down to the store and get two new batteries. 1000 cranking amps 875 cold cranking amps. I still have the same problem with it turning over slow. The terminals are all clean and tight and no obvious loose wires on the starter. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks SWashabaugh

 

[HLEschenko]

Your starter contacts are probably on their last legs. Go to this site for more information on them.



http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

[Breed]

I had a similar problem and installed the LarryB's starter contacts and plunger and it's been great from whin I installed the new large concacts.

B REED

 

[Howard Durand]

The starter may just be getting tired but check the contacts first. One of them usually wears down much more than the other and eventually leads to real problems.

If you do replace them, clean the internal working mechanisms of the starter as much as possible. Check the brushes and replace them if necessary. If you are not good at that stuff, find a good auto-electric shop and find out what they charge to refurbish it. New starters run from $225 on up, depending on where you go.

If the contacts fail and the starter sticks, you will also lose your $150 shutdown solenoid, which can be prevented with a $10 diode.

 

[JAmos]

Can you post some info on the diode so we can safegaurd our trucks?



Jordan

 

[darom]

Jamos, check this out:

http://fostertruck.com/sol-saverdiode.htm

 

[Howard Durand]

Jamos, check this out:

http://fostertruck.com/sol-saverdiode.htm

You can buy the diode from an electronics store (not radio shack) for about $5. 00 and figure out how to connect it yourself or you can buy Larry B's that has instructions and the necessary hardware that makes it fool proof. A bit more money but either way, it won't wear out and if your starter ever hangs up you won't lose the shutdown solenoid.

When my solenoid failed, I also replaced the shutdown solenoid relay with a Stancor 100 amp contactor and mounted it on the fender next to the intake air heater relays. I mounted the diode on the relay instead of at the starter.



The diode I am using is a 1N1190A which is good for 40 amps.

 

[JAmos]

Thanks guys.



Jordan