96 Ram van 2500 starter or cable?

SLANE

MEMBER
2012 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

My 6cyl van is having starting problems. We the key is turned, sometimes it just makes the "click" noise and sometimes it starts to turn over, then stops abruptly, or starts to turn over, then acts as if it's not getting enough power like the battery's dead. When whatever needs to make the connection, makes the connection, it starts fine.

Sometimes there's no problem at all. This has been happening for at least 6 months but seems to be getting worse. It always starts, just takes a few times.

So my question is this: because of the varied not-starting symptoms, could this be a problem with the power supply to the starter (like the battery cable), or would the starter going out present like this, for this long? I'm afraid if I take it to a shop, they'll just replace the starter reguardless.

Thank you very much.

p.S. I tried to donate but the page won't let me fill in an amount. Sorry!

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Don't worry about the donation. When it's left blank, we assume you wanted to donate $100.00. Thank-you!

You need to find a shop you can trust to make the right decision, they are out there.

IT does sounds like a starter motor problem, but like you say, it very well may be a connection. Check them your self. Are they tight, clean, no green corrossion, no fraying. Check the battery cables in their entirty.