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1999 Dodge Durango Car won't start

Tiny
DENGHIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
When turning key, you hear a click and nothing happens. Sounds like the starter solenoid is engaging the flywheel but not turning engine over.
I have replaced the starter relay and cleaned the battery terminals and trickle-charged the battery overnight. It has an after-market remote starter but we have it turned off. I tried to start the car with the remote starter with the same result.
I suspect the starter but would like to know if you have any other suggestions.
Thanks very much,
Dan
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 AT 9:24 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,858 POSTS
Worn contacts in the starter solenoid. $15.00 for the pair. Otherwise just replace the entire starter motor.

To test before replacing, have someone hold the ignition switch in the crank position. Touch a grounded test light to the two large terminals on the starter. The terminal with the heavy battery cable must have battery voltage all the time. The other large terminal, (under a gray rubber cap), should have battery voltage only when in "Crank" mode. If it's missing, the contacts are worn.

Caradiodoc
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Friday, April 10th, 2009 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
DENGHIS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks, Cardio.

I checked the cells on the battery (which were all ok) and then just for kicks tried to start it. Kicked right off. Drove it for 10 miles, shut it off and tried it again. Started right up.
Could the starter solenoid have intermittent bad connection? Work fine and then not?
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Saturday, April 11th, 2009 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,858 POSTS
Reread my last reply. Starter solenoid contacts. Very common problem. The intermittent crank will get progressively worse. The final straw with my mother's '95 Caravan was when she lost count after 700 tries and a blister on her thumb before it cranked. This applies to the small, silver Nippendenso starter.

Caradiodoc
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Saturday, April 11th, 2009 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
DENGHIS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yeah, Cardio, my wife is always after me to pay attention, too. Sorry.

Thanks for the info. I'd guess that after 78,000 miles I'd better replace the whole thing.

Thanks again.
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Sunday, April 12th, 2009 AT 9:46 AM

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