I am posting this for my dad

X3MERLIN3X

MEMBER
1994 DODGE RAM
90,000 MILES

I am posting this for my dad. He has a 1994 dodge ram 250 van with a starting problem. When he took it into a garage for diagnostic the computer couldn't get a connection. So based on that they told him to try a new battery, or a starter. The battery he had was not old, but he went and had it exchanged for a new one. And now a few days later that brand new battery is not pushing enough power to start the engine. To me this is obvious that its shorting somewhere. And I am trying to get some idea of where to start the search for this short. Because if the battery and starter is fine then why replace them again? Any help or ideas is appreciated

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Did you check to see if the starter is drawing too many amps? Most parts stores will do that for free for you. Also, have you checked for an electrical on the battery with all components off?

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Friday, March 22nd, 2013 AT 5:25 PM

X3MERLIN3X

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The place he took it to tried to attach a diagnostic computer to the starter and it had no contact apparently. His suggestion was to clean the starter and put it back on. But My other concern is if theres no contact with the starter what is draining a new battery that fast. Nothing is left on, not even the dome lights are set to come on

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Friday, March 22nd, 2013 AT 6:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

As far as the starter, if there is no power to it, cleaning it won't help unless it is the wiring to the starter. Now for the electrical draw, sometimes things short and draw power all the time, even when the vehicle is off. You should check for that. There are directions on our homepage under the DIY section.

Now back to the starter. I need you to check something. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire on the starter. You should see 12v in the start position. If you do, it sounds like a bad starter. If you don't, then we need to back track through the starter relay.

Let me know what you find.

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Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 AT 1:40 AM