Ok, heres the background info:

The night before school at my community college started back up my (maybe) original starter called it quits - a single click each try and no cranking. Got it to start and figured that my only choice at that point was to go to AutoZone and get one since it was 8pm on a Sunday night... its been working fine , firing the truck right up for about two weeks until today at school... when I turn the ignition to Start, it will click once, then nothing.

Battery voltage on both batteries is 12.55 volts, and its 12.55 volts down at the starter too. Made sure the battery terminal connections were tight. Checked the clutch saftey switch, the starter won't click if I don't have the clutch pressed in, so I think thats working fine. I watched the overhead lights when I turned the ignition to Start, and they barely dimmed.

So I'm thinking this starter is toast.

I figure I'll pick up a starter from CarQuest tomorrow and get to school early and replace it before my classes start... if its still not working then I'll either get my dad out there with his 2500 and we can try to pull start it, or have it towed back to my place,

Is it just my fault for buying an AutoZone starter and expecting it to actually work for longer than two weeks, or is my truck doing something to kill the starters?

 

If you are in Greenville or Raleigh ask around and find a good reputable rebuild shop and have it rebuilt or if you are handy with wrenches go online and order the heavy duty solenoid contacts and brushes and rebuild it yourself. Unfortunately many rebuilds like Autozone or NAPA only replace the bad parts and not all parts that may wear. They give long warranties, but many get tired of switching them out.

 

i second the contacts, i swapped mine out after doing 2 starters, havent had a problem in years.

 

My '96 "started" acting like this. When (on the 100% new) replacement starter I got the click only, (at 2 months of age) I gave it a few good taps with a 20 oz hammer. It's been fine for 35 days since.

Take your starter back to AutoZone, they should give you a free repalcement. Then install the contacts as mentioned above. I was palnning to do this, but since my starter now seems to be okay, I'll let it go until it acts up again. Guess I ought to order the parts now.

 

Got a starter from CarQuest, swapped it out in the parking lot, turned the key to Start and... dewdewdew BWOM BWOM BOWM BWOM... so yep, it was the AutoZone starter that gave out. Took it back to AutoZone and somehow, unbelievably, they took it back and refunded my money without any trouble... I'm tempted to order the contacts and try rebuilding my old starter just to have as a spare.

 

Yep - I would keep the old one as a spare. Keep the CarQuest reciept as well, it's been my experance that as long as it's within a year, CarQuest will refund your money if it fails.

My local parts store is an O'reiley's, and I've never had any trouble returning or exchanging parts there. The staff is great as well.

 

Just something else worth mentioning, having the battery posts tight doesn't necessarily mean they are getting the contact they should. I had corrosion build up (why battery posts look blackish or dirty) between my terminals and posts. I drove for a couple of days jump starting the truck (the little additional power helped just enough) before our equip maint guy told me to try and clean the terminals. That did the trick. Cleaned them with emory cloth (sand paper) back to shiny metal and felt like all was brand new.

 

I had the same problem with my starter. I replaced my starter in June i bought a new one from napa. 3 weeks ago it went out. it lasted about 4 days until it started clicking again. what was happening is the ignition switch went out and wasnt getting the proper voltage to start the truck. Replaced the ignition and key tumbler and no problems since. Many dodge owners i know here in Oregon go threw a couple of starters before the get one that works well. Many auto parts stores just clean the old starters and replace the bad parts and put them back on the shelves. The best thing to do is to find a good shop that rebuilds starters. They usaully take thier time because thier reputation is on the line they dont like returns on defective items. Same thing with the alternators.

 

I agree 100%. The auto parts "rebuilt" starters and alternators most times only have the part that was bad replaced and will be put back together with used parts. They will charge you for a complete rebuild, but in fact all you get is a few new parts. If you find yourself a reputable local rebuild shop you will never regret it. Many of these will rebuild the starter or alternator to your specs. Many times something may only need a small part to make it work and they will only replace that knowing the other parts still have many miles left in them. The difference is they will only charge for what they do and not what they did not.

 

I second finding a good local shop. Having someone local and that is knowledgeable, is well worth the few extra dollars. Just my 2 cents, when cleaning the battery posts, slap some dielectric grease on there as well. Makes a world of difference in corrosion resistance and better contact. I swear by that stuff.