Advertisement
Advertisement

truck help!

100,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
AWALKINGBEAR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
my 03 dodge dakota clicks a long time before the engine starts and now it dies while im driving but starts right back up and also putters when i step on the gas to speed up what could be the problem?
Nov 19, 2010 at 5:15 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
When you say it clicks, do you mean the starter clicks like a weak battery?
Nov 19, 2010 at 5:20 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
AWALKINGBEAR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
yes when i start the engine it clicks a long time before the engine starts but sometimes it starts right up but then down the road thats when it dies while im driving
Nov 19, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
The first thing I want you to check (easy and cheap) are the battery terminals. Make sure they are clean and tight and not corroded. Also, inspect the battery cables to make sure they are not damaged. Finally, the main ground from the battery runs to the engine block. Check it to make sure where it mounts is clean, tight, and not corroded.

To me, it sounds like you are losing power for a second or two. If the starter only clicks before it cranks the engine, it sounds like a weak battery or bad connection. If you want, fully charge the battery and take the truck to a parts store and have them load test it. That way we can eliminate a bad / weak battery.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
Nov 19, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Avatar
AWALKINGBEAR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
tomorrow i will have it checked out and i will get back to you thx for the help:)
Nov 19, 2010 at 9:52 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
I look forward to hearing from you.

Joe
Nov 19, 2010 at 11:09 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle

Advertisement