Clicks but doesn’t start 96 Dodge RAM Van

[Meridivs]

Yesterday night we had a no-start condition on our 96 Dodge RAM Van – it clicked when the key was on but didn’t turn the engine.

We checked the battery load – ok, connections to the battery – ok, parking/neutral switch lever – ok, didn’t get to the starter terminals yet.

After a few tries it started as usual. This morning the same problem – [B]clicks but doesn’t start[/B]. We didn’t do anything but trying to start again and finally it started.

After we got to the destination I tried to start it with engine hot and it hesitated for a second like it didn’t had enough power to the starter then started right away.

Any idea what could cause this and what we can do next?

Topic

[Kevin Criswell]

Next time it wont start and just clicks, see if you can get some one to rap on the starter while someone tries to start it. After some time the brushes get old and make bad contact with the armature in the starter. If it cranks right up after rapping on it the starter is likely bad.

Here is a video showing changing the start, should help you see where it is if you don’t know.

BTW: don’t hit it too hard, if has permanent magnets in it which can break.

[Meridivs]

Excellent video, thank you!

I will have the mechanic take the starter down for a rebuilt this weekend.

[Tom]

I know the Caravans use a Nippon Denso starter . .. not sure about the ram van. The Nippon Denso is nearly bullet proof, but the contacts in the solenoid will fail, and they do exactly what you are describing. You get one loud click when you turn the key, then nothing. Let the key go, and try again, and it will start just like normal. As they wear more and more, it will take more and more tries before it finally cranks over for you.

The good news, the contacts, and plunger can be had on Amazon for well under $20, and they aren’t terribly difficult to install.

[Meridivs]

It was the contacts in the Starter Solenoid.

We changed them and now everything’s back to spec.

Attachments:

• contacts.JPG

[college man]

Glad it worked out.Thanks for the update and the fix. 😉

[Tom]

Glad to hear it was an easy, and inexpensive fix!

[Kevin Criswell]

Good deal, glad it was something simple and easy.

[max]

Would be good idea to change out plunger as well
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-CUMMINS-DIESEL-STARTER-SOLENOID-REPAIR-CONTACTS-/261343637166?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd94b6eae&vxp=mtr

[Author]

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