How do you fix the starter in a dodge ram truck. I think thats what it is anyway?

Question

When i turn the key the music and lights work. When I try to start it all it makes is a faint clicking sound. I'm a girl and i need to fix this so any detailed answers will realy help me out.

Answer 1

The faint clicking sound is the relay trying to get the starter motor to turn.

There are a couple of possibilities: the battery may be low enough that it doesn't have the power to turn the starter motor, or the starter motor may be stuck or on a dead spot.

The battery should be tested first, then a solid thump or the strater motor may free it up.

Answer 2

Starter—On a rear wheel drive car or truck the starter is usually located under the car about the area of the driver’s feet. A front wheel drive usually locates the starter under the hood with the engine. The battery supplies electricity to the starter to engage and spin over the engine. Once the ignition key is turned to the start position the starter drive gear is pushed out of the starter housing and the gear makes contact with and turns the flywheel inside the engine.
Remove the two bolts holding the starter and disconnect the wires. Be sure to note where the wires connect so you won't get them crossed when you install the new one
Sometimes the steering rod gets int the way:
Remove the bolt from the middle of the steering rod(It secures the rod from your steering wheel in a sleeve above the U-joint on top of the rack and pinion) Remove the 4 screws that hold the access panel under the steering column in the cab of the truck. Check for any wiring that might impede you dropping the column. Remove the shift indicator wire from the slot under the column, noting how it is wound into its slot. Remove the support from under the column. Let the steering wheel drop and rest on the truck seat. Pull the rod from the sleeve, as mentioned above, and let the sleeve drop toward the front of the truck. This will allow access to the top of the starter so you can remove the wiring and the top starter bolt. When all that is undone it helps to have an assistant to lift the starter through the opening you have created since someone usually has to be under the truck, pulling the starter free of the stud mount and pushing the starter through the opening.
good luck

Answer 3

The clicking is the solenoid switch. It engages the starter motor by putting current to it. Some solenoids are in the starter motor, some are separate. If separate, they are easy to change with pliers, if you take the negative battery terminal off first, for your safety. If you do, take sand paper and clean all the wire connections to bright metal to have a better connection.
Sometimes cleaning the connections does it.
Your battery could be weak.
It is either the solenoid switch or the battery, so take it to a nearby auto parts store and ask for help.
They want your business, so someone will help.
If it is the switch (the battery tests okay), ask them to show you where it is, and tell you what to do.
Guys do it all of the time, and many women work on cars.
You can replace a solenoid, if it is separate, in 15 minutes, and save a lot of money.
If the solenoid is in the starter, you will need a new starter motor. They will tell you at the parts store.
Good luck. Ask for help, and do what you can.

Answer 4

Could be your solenoid or something as simple as a loose battery terminal connection. I would check the terminals on the battery to see if they move when you pry around on them. Check the little (probably black) box-type thing with at least TWO 1/2" nuts on it, exposed, with one wire running from the positive terminal on the battery to it and the other wire runs to the frame for ground. Check to see if they are tight. If they are and your battery terminals are tight too, you can take a screwdriver and jump across the solenoid by touching metal to metal across the screwdriver to each post on the solenoid.

BEWARE: If you jump across the solenoid with a screwdriver and you have a manual transmission, MAKE CERTAIN the truck is in neutral with the parking brake FULLY ENGAGED. Make sure the key is then turned to the ON position and THEN jump across the solenoid.

IF the truck were to start while in gear, it could run you over if you do not follow my instructions above to the letter. BE CAREFUL.

If the starter does engage, then you need a new solenoid. If not, you really should have someone else take a look at it as the starter is under the truck bolted to the transmission and would be difficult for a novice mechanic to change.

BE CAREFUL and make CERTAIN the wheels are blocked, brakes engaged and if you have a manual transmission, that it's in NEUTRAL before you do ANY of what I say.

Answer 5

Sounds like the battery and not the starter. You have the volts and low amps that allows the lights and stuff to work. But you do not have enough amps to crank the starter.
If you are capable or comfortable enough here is what to do:
Get a battery post cleaner from any car parts place, only a few dollars at best. With doors closed, lights off, key not in ignition, no metal jewelry on your body do the following.
Be careful not to touch tools to positive (red or +) cable or battery post AND ANYTHING ELSE at same time.
Loosen then remove the negative (Normally black or -) cable from battery.
Loosen then remove the positive (Normally red +) cable from battery.
clean, with battery tool or wire brush, the inside of the clamp and the post on the battery.
Place the positive clamp back on and tighten
Place the negative clamp back on, could cause a SMALL spark, don't freak out, just press it on and tighten.
Now try to start truck. Still same thing?
Now try to jump start truck with jumper cables.
Attach the jumper cable to the Positive post of good car and then truck.
Attach the other jumper cable to the negative post of good car and then to the negative post of truck.
Try to start... it starts.. then you battery was weak or needs replacing. Still clicking.. you need a new starter.. not cheap either.. hence long instructions on servicing battery.

Any questions, just ask away at [e-mail]

Good luck and happy holidays.

Answer 6

It may be that your battery is just low. A low battery will still run the lights and radio but not the starter. Also it could be the solenoid. That's the thing that engages the starter when you turn on the key. I'm afraid you'll have to bite the bullet and have a mechanics look at it.

Answer 7

first clean the battery cable - turn the lights on and blow the horn if it is loud OK if not get the battery charged - next replace the starter solenoid ( on top of the starter ) if this doesn't fix it - remove the starter and take it to a parts store for a free test ( replace if needed )

notes - careful when removing the battery cables do not let the wrench touch other metal--to replace the solenoid disconnect the battery first and mark the wires ( on the solenoid ) so you can put them back correctly ( the solenoid is on top of the starter it is the thing the wires connect to ) -- also disconnect the battery when replacing the starter

Answer 8

It could be an alternator or a bad battery. A jump start from another car is what you need. If your battery is old then get a new one...go to auto zone or parts plus and they will test your battery.

Answer 9

i own a shop,and you need to have it done,,unless you have a good set of tools to do this with id let a repair shop,replace it,,,it may just be the battery low on it,a battery will play a radio but not have enough power to start it,,check the battery connections on it good luck,hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.

Answer 10

Have the Battery checked first. Take it out and have a friend take you to Auto Zone, Pep Boys. They will check it for you for free.