2003 Dodge Dakota 2003 Dakota Wont Start

DWIET831

MEMBER
2003 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
47,000 MILES

OK, I recently returned from a 6 month deployment to my truck not starting(my girlfriend did use it intermittently while I was gone). It would turn over but wouldnt completely make it. It wouldnt jump and the battery was dead. So I replaced the battery and it started fine for a few days. Now, I turn the key and the radio, lights, dashboard components, everything comes on but nothing happens. It seems like power is not getting to the starter(no clicking or anything). I did let it run down a hill and popped the clutch to get it started. Next I replaced the starter and still no joy. Do I have a alternator problem or possibly a ignition coil problem? Im not the most car savvy person but Im not a moron either. Any help?

5 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Inspect all fuses first. Then, if you can, get vehicle started with a rolling start then take vehicle to local part store and have charging system tested. They do this for free at most places. If charging system is OK, jumper starter to ensure it is engaging properly. If OK here, I would suspect faulty ignition switch.

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Friday, February 6th, 2009 AT 11:41 PM

DWIET831

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Are their any specific fuses to check? I checked the 50 amp start fuse and it is fine. I have also swapped the starter relay with wiper relay and the wiper still worked and truck still wouldnt start. Thanks for the quick reply I will continue to check for more help

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Saturday, February 7th, 2009 AT 12:01 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Thanks for the donation.

Okay, go ahead and ensure the battery terminals are free of corrosion and that cables are tightened properly. Will still need the charging system tested and the starting system (ignition switch and starter) inspected as well. If all of this is OK, may need to remove drive belt and try to start engine. If engine starts, something is seized up that is ran by the belt and needs replaced

Let me know results of charging and starting system and I will follow up.

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Saturday, February 7th, 2009 AT 12:22 AM

DWIET831

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I hate when I overlook something and miss an easy problem. I kept looking at the fuses and relays in PCM and they were fine. I finally looked in the fuse box on the left side of the steering wheel and found a 10amp starter fuse blown. So that was it. Thanks for your help.

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Saturday, February 7th, 2009 AT 8:20 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Haha, well it's great you have it running again. Thanks again for the donation. Although we certainly don't wish any mechanical problems occur for you, but we certainly do welcome you back to our site for other car repair questions if you need us :D

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!