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Mike G
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2007
19:47:20

Subject: Starter problems
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My 2002 4.7L Dakota is giving me intermittent problems starting. Several months ago it started hesitating for a second after the key was turned before it fired up. That progressed to sometimes not starting at all and I would have to turn the key a second and sometimes a third time before it would start. On one occasion it wouldn't start at all until I got frustrated and kept turning the key on and off several times and it fired on about the tenth or so time. I talked to the dealership and he suggested not replacing the starter right away because they couldn't duplicate the problem and he said it might be something else. Magically, the problem disappeared for several months. But it is back with a vengeance. Today my wife drove the truck - it started right up first try. When she got the babysitters and dropped off our kids, it wouldn't start. Took 10 or so tries again. At the end of the day, same routine - again it started on about the tenth try. It doesn't seem to be moisture related as the weather has been very dry lately. Any suggestions, before I go to put in a new starter/other parts the dealership recommends to solve the problem?



Epyon
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2007
20:22:02

RE: Starter problems
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Sounds like it could be the ignition switch in the steering column. But it may be the starter solenoid or the ignition its self would have to test each to find out. how many miles are on it?



mpb
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2007
22:07:07

RE: Starter problems
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could possibly be the fuel lines not retaining pressure; each time you turn the key the fuel pump gives it a squirt, until you have enough pressure to get it started.



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2007
22:27:44

RE: Starter problems
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by not starting, do you mean it cranks but won't fire? or it does nothing at all? could be few things. answering these will help us narrow it down.

if it's not cranking, i'm thinking ignition switch also.



TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2007
22:35:04

RE: Starter problems
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MIke,

My 2001, 4.7 does a similiar thing. I relaized by not cranking more than 2 secs at a time, mine usually starts on the 2nd time, if not on the first time like it always had before.

I think you'll agree with me that it's not the starter, or selenoid, cause it wouldn't crank over so well.

My ignition switch has been acting up for over a year. Sometimes, while running, I have to wiggle the key to get the radio and turn signals to work, only these.

I thought it might be low voltage not turning the fuel pump and starter, but I doubt it, since the votage gauge shows fine.

I know I have 1 bad injector, cause of the MIL light, just haven't changed it yet, still runs great.

I hope someone chimes in with the probable fix, I think the ignition switch, of even the TPS could be the culprit. If the TPS is reading wrong, it wouldn't give it any gas to start it with.



Kowalski
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7/14/2007
09:46:32

RE: Starter problems
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It seems we need the answer to Daddio's question to better identify the problem first, since others have confused cranking and starting before.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way

Mike G
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2007
14:47:40

RE: Starter problems
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Sorry, I should have clarified that - it does not crank over. Just nothing, sometimes a few clicks. Often it hesitates for a second then fires. There is no delay in starting once it turns over.



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2007
14:55:51

RE: Starter problems
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with that info i leaning towards the ignition cylinder/switch. especially if you do a lot of turning that ignition key.

if it cranks right over when it decides to. i don't think you have a connection/ ignition or fuel problem.



Mike G
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2007
16:39:50

RE: Starter problems
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Anything I can do to check/confirm myself that you can suggest or am I doomed to a dealership visit.





daddio
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2007
17:18:31

RE: Starter problems
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the first thing i'd check is the starter relay. open the hood, find the starter relay, then swap it with one of the other relays. if that doesn't cure the problem. it's probably the cylinder.

i changed one on my sisters '96 ford thunderchicken. was really easy with a Haynes manual guiding me over the rough spots. picked up the cylinder @ autozone for around 30 bucks with 2 keys.



OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2007
21:27:37

RE: Starter problems
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think I would check both battery cables at both ends before spending money



QQQ
Dodge Dakota
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7/15/2007
19:15:18

RE: Starter problems
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Sounds like worn contacts in the starter. Google "denso click" "denso starter rebuild" or "toyota starter rebuild" (toyota because they use denso starters, as does your dodge.) The searches will give you an idea of what may be happening. Best bet would be to locate a shop that repairs starters or alternators if you don't want to try repairing it yourself.



twiseman
Dodge Dakota
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7/25/2007
03:10:09

RE: Starter problems
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I have a 2001 Dakota Quad Cab... Did the same thing last year, what i found was loose connection at the starter hasn't happened since !!!



JOE IULIUCCI
Dodge Dakota
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7/21/2015
14:35:34

RE: Starter problems
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I HAVE 2003 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 4.7 ENGINE. JUST HAD MY
FIFTH STARTER INSTALLED ON IT. SOME ONE SUGGESTED IT
MIGHT NEED SHIELDING.



David Turner
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2017
18:04:11

RE:Relay won't stop clicking
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I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota that recently,[only once before]wouldn't start up.... and a relay behind the glove box area clicked repeatedly. I thought it was battery terminals, so I tightened the ground because it was a little loose... the truck started and worked fine for about 6 more starts. Today... I went to use the truck and this relay started to click before I even turned the ignition switch. The truck wouldn't even crank ,and the relay clicked until the key was turned off. Question.....What relay is back there, and does this sound like an ignition switch?



tammy
Dodge Dakota
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7/23/2019
06:56:38

RE: Starter problems
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i have a 2008 dodge datoka.I have a problem with
it starting.I turn the key all the lites come on
on the dash and nothing happens,no clicking sound
nothing.Last time it happen i turned key 3 times
finally it cranked. It has a new battier in
it.Any suggestion of what it could be?



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