Intermitten starting problem - Dodge Diesel

USMC64-70 · 09-28-2003, 11:09 PM

My truck will fail to start sometimes, just get a cliking noise. Replaced both batteries about 1 month ago and they are fully charged. Have been having problems removing the ignition key after shifting the auto into the park position.

When I have problems, shifting the trans into neutral allows the truck to start.

My question is if there is some sort of "safety switch" that gets activated when the trans is put into park? Maybe it is not disengaging???

Any body experienced this before or have any thoughts?

MnTom · 09-30-2003, 01:26 PM

Sounds like you need new contacts in the starter. They arc a little everytime you hit the key and eventualy burn and get pitted. It is probably coincidence that it starts in nuetral.
Tom

Mexstan · 09-30-2003, 01:34 PM

If you just get a clicking noise it probably indicates that the safety switch is working OK. As Tom said, check your starter solenoid contacts. If you have the chance, next time it happens, don't move the gear selector. Try placing your hand on the starter solenoid and get someone to try the ignition switch. Bet you will feel it each time it clicks.
The hard removal of the key is probably a secondary problem and not related to the clicking problem. Two things could cause it. One, the steering wheel needs to be turned a fraction of a turn to relieve the pressure on the pin or it is just plain normal wear and tear and time to change the ignition switch. Have you tried squirting some lubricant into the cylinder?
Let us know what you did to fix the problem.

USMC64-70 · 09-30-2003, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the replies. Since the truck is 8 years old, decided to replace the starter with a rebuild from Cummins. Checked battery voltage, starter relay and wiring and all were OK.

Starts easily now, probably could have got by with a solenoid but did not know condition of the starter motor. The part was $223 at my local Cummins dealer.

yomitch · 10-06-2003, 11:45 AM

my replacement contacts were $15 and its worked perfectly for over 2 years

09-30-2003, 01:26 PM	#2
MnTom Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: outside of Duluth MN Posts: 1,234 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Intermitten starting problem Sounds like you need new contacts in the starter. They arc a little everytime you hit the key and eventualy burn and get pitted. It is probably coincidence that it starts in nuetral. Tom __________________ SUPPORT OUR TROOPS '96 Ram 2500 2wd auto, EGT, boost, & tranny temp gauges, timing at 16.5*,BHAF, #8 fuel plate slid 3/4 forward, AFC 3/4 forward too, Piers upgraded turbo, kdp tab fixed, Goerend Tranny, 15" long glass packmuffler, set up for 24' '06 Dutchmen 5th wheel and 16' boat behind 299HP 678TQ -U/A local 11-

09-30-2003, 01:34 PM	#3
Mexstan It's my pot and I'll stir it if I want to. If you're not careful, I'll stir your's as well! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Home in central Mexico, but temporarily living in NE China. Posts: 2,514 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Intermitten starting problem If you just get a clicking noise it probably indicates that the safety switch is working OK. As Tom said, check your starter solenoid contacts. If you have the chance, next time it happens, don't move the gear selector. Try placing your hand on the starter solenoid and get someone to try the ignition switch. Bet you will feel it each time it clicks. The hard removal of the key is probably a secondary problem and not related to the clicking problem. Two things could cause it. One, the steering wheel needs to be turned a fraction of a turn to relieve the pressure on the pin or it is just plain normal wear and tear and time to change the ignition switch. Have you tried squirting some lubricant into the cylinder? Let us know what you did to fix the problem. __________________ 2003 Light Almond 2500 QC SLT, HO, six speed, 4x4, tow package, fold flat floor, 3.73 anti-spin, keyless entry, chrome Mopar nerf bars, rear slider, Rhino liner, immobalizer, Mopar mud flaps, BD short shift, ultrasonic backup system, Scotty 3 airfilter, Diprocal gauges, Jordan Brake, Icom 2/440m. 315 Yokahoma tires, Pacbrake, Carli suspension, on board air, Road Armor bumper, Dynatrac hubs. MM 12k hydraulic winch, Airdog FP-100, air seats, Sulastic's, HID's.

09-30-2003, 03:16 PM	#4
USMC64-70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Oxnard Calif Posts: 93 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Intermitten starting problem Thanks for the replies. Since the truck is 8 years old, decided to replace the starter with a rebuild from Cummins. Checked battery voltage, starter relay and wiring and all were OK. Starts easily now, probably could have got by with a solenoid but did not know condition of the starter motor. The part was $223 at my local Cummins dealer.

10-06-2003, 11:45 AM	#5
yomitch Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Squamish British Columbia Posts: 120 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Intermitten starting problem my replacement contacts were $15 and its worked perfectly for over 2 years __________________ 95 3500 4x4 k&ampn drop in #6 injector cam plate 16cm housing

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