2002 Ram iv'e owned since new, 91,000 miles wont start. I put new batteries in just last year when I try to start it thats all I get is a click out of the starter, or about a half of a crank then click out of the starter. Swaped relays, still the same.
Any Ideas?
Thanks Ray

 

I first and foremost check your batteries voltage, They may be new but in colder climates might not last as long as you think, I just replaced 2 1/2 year old batteries on my powerstroke excursion. If your batteries are in the clear, pull the starter and have it tested at the local parts store. Good Luck.

 

Ditto on checking the batteries.
I had a issue long ago that was the same. The batteries were fine. But the connections on the terminals were just loose enough.
I'm sure you have already just check all the connections. including the starter connections. it doesn't take much on these trucks to cause electric gremlins.
alot of issues are resolved by cleaning and getting a good contact.

hope it you get it worked out

 

If the batteries are even partially good I would suspect the starter windings. Diesels are tough on starters anyway, what with all that compression and stuff. If they starter has shorted even a couple of windings it won't be strong enough to spin the engine over.
In general the starter is pretty easy to switch out. The only issue I had was the 10 mm 12 pt socket. You can use a 6 pt 11mm after it is loose but you risk stripping that goofy star head bolt if you try to break it loose with a 6 pt.

 

Starter contacts...ton of info on here if you search it....

 

Ok, just to make sure I did check the batteries, they were good. I then cleaned and checked all of my conections, and terminals, all good to go.I did go by a new starter $135 after tax ( life time waranty ). $8 core for my old one so I kept it I think I'm going to tear it down to see if it's worth a rebuild. Thanks for the advice guys, thats what forums are for.

Thanks again Ray

 

Soooooooooooooooo - did it start? Good plan to keep the old one for cleaning and rebuilding. The one you bought will likely crap out on you sooner than later. Purchase a new set of contacts and brush set clean the OEM up real pretty, maybe have the armature turned on a lathe at a rebuilder shop if its really rough and then reassemble and keep really handy for when the jobber one dies. The OEM starters are really stout and just need TLC to keep on cranking when they get old and worn out (like me!)

Cheers!

Mike

 

Yeah, I agree with MikeL, keep and rebuild the old one if its the original. Probably a Nipondenso and way better than the 135 dollar special...

 

As with the other advise, let me make it VERY clear.

REBUILD your old starter, and have it ready, the "Lifetime" starters usually have a lifetime measured in months........

Good how to:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...tarter-141395/