Not turning over after I tried to start on a low battery

NATHAN MAISONET

MEMBER
1998 DODGE VAN
5.9L
V8
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

I tried starting on a low battery and it turned over the first few times but didn’t have enough power. Tried multiple times before getting a jump, then once I got the jump the battery charged right up but it would no longer turn over.

Is it possible that I’ve blown a fuse by trying to start it too many times without enough power? I tried tapping the starter with a hammer to see if it was locked in open position but no dice. Which fuses should I check if any?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

When you try to start it, do you hear anything? For example, is there a click? Also, are other electrical components working and if you try to jump start it again, does it start? Are you sure the battery terminals are clean and tight and the battery is good?

As far as your concerns, I doubt you hurt anything trying too many times without enough power. If the battery is good and it still won't start with a jump, we need to check the starter itself. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If you could, let me know the answers to the aforementioned questions. That will help me narrow it down a bit. Also, I did attach a pic showing where the starter relay is located. It's under the hood in the power distribution box. If there is another relay with the same part number, switch them to see if that makes a difference or here are links that will help you test it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Take care,
Joe

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