Starting problem

Tiny
SHELTONOIL
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
Car sat for years. New battery, new starter, but will sometimes take 20 or more attempts to get it to turn over. Once it actually turns over, it starts quickly and runs fine. And once it starts and warms up, it will start again no problem, no hesitation. Problem is only when engine is cold. It has always eventually started. It doesn't "click" when it fails (like a bad starter might), it "clunks." The sound is the first split second of a normal start, but then nothing. All other electrical works fine and comes on when ignition is turned to start.
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 AT 10:20 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Clean battery terminals and check at starter for no corrosion. then scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
SHELTONOIL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks. I'm curious how fuel pressure could prevent an engine from turning over, but I tested it and it's fine. As I mentioned, the truck starts and runs perfectly once you can get it to turn over. No codes. No corrosion at terminals of the new battery, nor at terminals of brand new starter.
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check items in pic as well as fuse box for corrosion and see what kind of power is coming to relay from ignition switch. Also it may be a bad relay as well.
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 AT 10:30 AM

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