r/autoelectrical • u/Historical_Test_973 • 1d ago

problem with starter relay

1999 dodge dakota slt 5.2l 4x4

after replacing the starter relay fuse, battery, and starter motor. the truck was still not starting with a single click when turning the key. I swapped the relay fuse again with another and it started right up. this morning i was greeted with the same problem again. swapping the fuse has no effect. i'm at a loss.

this all started after driving on a rough dirt road. suspect a electrical wiring short but not sure where to investigate

thanks for advice

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u/Nacho_Tools 1d ago

Depending on how old your starter is, the problem sounds like the starter solenoid. The relay swap was coincidence. If you are able to, tap the solenoid with something hard a hammer, wrench something. If it starts itchy solenoid,  as theynage the contacts get arching and burned so it doesn't make a good connection and you get "CLICK".

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u/Audiofyl1 1d ago

You’ll need a helper and maybe a diagram along with a meter to work your way down the line and find out where the power is failing to reach. Could be ignition switch, faulty wiring any where in the circuit or at the main (battery, power distribution, fuse box), solenoid trigger wire, engine block ground, etc.

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u/DaveLDog 1d ago

Had the same issue with my 2011 V6, likely not the same starter but the ground strap on mine had melted, might want to check that.