hunt4hobby

I have a 97 CTD with 70000 miles on it. I recently have been
having starter problems. Sometimes when tring to start the truck it will just click once like there is no contact. I cleaned the all the cables on the batteries and the starter. It will work fine for two or three days then nothing. Has anyone had the same problem.

berner

Very common problem and a cheap fix. Your starter contacts are worn out. Foster's Truck Parts in the link section sells heavy duty ones for a decent price. http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/ Not too hard to install. The kit comes with instructions. Don't buy the standard size ones (like me) or you'll be doing them again (like me : )

Careful that you don't hold the key in the Start position too long. That click you hear is the Shutdown solenoid pulling up. Power is applied to it as long as the key is in the Start position. They aren't cheap to replace. You might want to carry a couple of 1/2" wrenches around with you until you get your contacts replaced. You'll be able to pull the battery cables just in case they stick and the starter keeps going.

kandgo

Second that,If it were I and I had another mode of transportation I would use it till I got the starter contacts replaced,order you a new plunger from foster while you are at it, also I noticed your mileage,so if you have not replaced your fuel hoses he sells a set of excellent replacement ones , and while you are in there it is easier to replace the hoses with the starter off,and lastly he also has a good deal on fuel solenoid relays,it pays to carry a extra one of those. Goodluck Rick

Farmer

Those super size contacts can be bought other than fostertruck. I went to a starter alternator rebuilding place in the city here and first he gave me normal ones. But I had seen these ones on the foster page so I mentioned that and he dug around and found some....exactly what fostertruck sells and he charged me $8 for the pair.
-berner- in Saskatoon it was KARAM -nice guys.

vssman

As posted above, I'd find another vehicle to drive until you fix it. The starter can hang up engaged and you won't be able to shut it off. Also it will back feed high amp power through the fuel shut down circuit possibly burning that up. Worst case is an electrical fire. All this over two small pieces of copper. If you do have to drive it, then definately keep wrenches and large pliers in the truck to pull off the battery cables thus shutting off the truck. I now keep a hammer in the truck just in case my replacement set of contacts stick - again. First bang on the starter to disengage the solenoid, then bang on my head for not installing an auxillary shut-off switch just before the starter.

Just my $0.02

Dr. Evil

Guys, Fosters also has starters for cheap....check it out...

hunt4hobby

Thanks for the information I wiil get it taken care of right away.

wiz-1

thanks guys i have the same problem statred this morning. just clicks. has 125000 on it