Dodge Dakota Problem

super99 · Mar 31, 2015

My 97 Dakota has an issue when starting. Turn the key to start and it will click sometimes, other times, the dash lights will go out. Try the key several times and it will eventually turn over and start. I cleaned the battery cables today thinking that would cure it, but when I tried to start it, the same thing happened. It has the thin metal wrap around ground clamp, I cleaned the inside until it was shiny and cleaned the battery post and put it back on. A few years ago, I replaced the thin clamp on the hot side with a replacement battery cable end and bolted the wire to the clamp that holds the cable. Where do I go next with this??? Thanks, Chris

John B. · Mar 31, 2015

I would check and clean the other ends of the cables. Where the ground meets the frame and where the hot wire connects to the starter. Also check the terminals at both ends of both battery cables.

If your dash lites are going out you have a bad connection/open circuit.

Leroy · Mar 31, 2015

Very possible that clamp is not tightenning on the post.

Frankmn · Mar 31, 2015

Did you check for the green rot on the starter relay connections?

oldtanker · Mar 31, 2015

Did you use one of those fix all batter clamps that just replaces the end? If so take it apart and clean the wire end and clamp for the wire. Then once it's running go buy a decent cable.

I don't know about now but in Germany when I was over there those fix all clamps were sold as an emergency repair. If a German national had those on a vehicle at inspection just those cable ends would flunk them.

When I worked as a mechanic your wouldn't believe how many vehicles that came in with the symptoms you describe that had those ends on that were bad (dirty). When the customers came to pick whatever up and bill included one or 2 new cables they would get mad. But they were the ones who told us to fix it???

Rick

Married2Allis · Apr 1, 2015

When my 2002 Dakota acted like that I trickle charged the battery for about 8 hours. Then lightly sanded the battery posts and cable terminals and connected everything TIGHT.

Also check the negative battery cable to make sure it is grounding properly to the frame. Mine had badly corroded end and I had to replace it. Also, one of your battery cables could be cracked.

The dash lights going out means that a relay is tripping off because there is not enough current.

ASEguy · Apr 1, 2015

Any electrical testing on a vehicle starts with a known good fully charged battery. Put voltmeter leads on the battery. 12.6-12.7 volts indicates a full charge. If it's fully charged run voltage drop tests on the negative side then do the positive side. Post back. Gerard

Dodge Dakota Problem

super99

Well-known Member

John B.

Well-known Member

Leroy

Well-known Member

Frankmn

Member

oldtanker

Well-known Member

Married2Allis

Well-known Member

ASEguy

Well-known Member

Similar threads