1997 Dodge Ram truck wont start.

1997 DODGE RAM
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SALTIMOREIV
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Electrical problem
1997 Dodge Ram V8 Automatic

I tuned up my truck yesterday new distributor, rotor, plugs and wires. after i finished i started the truck to make sure i didnt miss anything. she fired right up. i let it run for a minute or so then shut it off. i then replaced the ground terminal for the battery because it was corroded and had broken. after cleaning the battery posts and terminals one of which i replaced i hooked everything back up and went to start the truck again. this time it wouldnt turn over. i have checked and double checked all the wires from the battery to see if they were bad or broken and they all look ok i am really stumped here and no one can seem to help me.
Jul 15, 2009 at 11:04 AM
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JDL
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Hello, did you just replace the battery cable-end? Maybe the whole cable needs to be replaced?

Have you tried cranking in neutral? You could also do some testing at the starter relay in the power distribution center, under the hood. Unplug the relay,have helper turn the key to crank, use a teslite, how many hot terminals?
Jul 15, 2009 at 12:34 PM
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SALTIMOREIV
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yeah i just replaced the end for the ground lead all the wires both ground an hot are in good condition. there 3 wires connected to both the hot and the ground leads for the battery. i just dont get how it runs one minute then 5 minutes later after changing and cleaning the battery connector it wont even turn over. i did notice that when i turned the key the radio shuts off and the lights flicker. it has to be something simple.
Jul 15, 2009 at 12:51 PM
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JDL
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Sometimes you can tell if there is a load on the starter circuit, by watching the headlites or dome lite. If they go out or almost when the key is turned to crank, it is usually the battery or cables.
Jul 15, 2009 at 1:21 PM
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