2000 Dodge Dakota No power

Tiny
BERSERKBEAST
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 160,000 MILES
This is probably an easy question but I want to make sure before I pull anything. The vehicle has been having starting problems for the past few weeks, and after some maintenance it had improved, but today I go to start it and it clunks then dies. It will not start, it won't turn over, it is like the battery is dead, but it had turned over just fine when the problem occurred, no shortage of power or nothing to indicate batter or alternator problem.
Friday, June 25th, 2010 AT 11:11 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
We need to make sure there is power to the starter. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire on the starter. It should have 12+ volts. Let me know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
BERSERKBEAST
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Like I said it was probably real easy and it took my friend's help in order for me to see it. The neutral wire on my batter is loose and somewhere between my travels the battery strap has snapped in half (The original wasn't with the vehicle when I bought it so I had to buy a cheap one at the time). Vehicle working fine now heading to store to get new power cables, and see if I can find an actual battery holder that isn't going to snap in time. Thanks for the help Jacobandnckolas.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I'm glad to help, and I'm glad you found the problem. When I went to school for mechanics (years ago) I had a great teacher. Two of his sayings were "don't fix it if it isn't broke, and the other was. Any time there is an electrical problem, you have to start from the source, the battery." Most mechanics today don't do that, but as you can see, it can save a lot of trouble. My teacher died a couple years back, but he left a strong and honest work ethic with a lot of mechanics in my area.

Let me know if you run into other trouble or need further assistance, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
BERSERKBEAST
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I will and thanks again, your teach was a good man from the sounds of it. I had an similar experience when I went to computer tech training always start at the source and work your way there. That's the best way to solve problems.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
You know it. Thanks for using 2carpros. Com and take care of yourself.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:31 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE