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dakotagurrl
Dodge Dakota
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1/23/2012
11:13:25

Subject: Truck won't start
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I went out 10 mins ago and she won't start. It turns over but never catches, kinda sounds like a horse. So I assumed it's the battery and attached my jump starter, which is 700amp, nothing. Waited 3 mins like it says on the manual, tried again, almost caught but nope. Tried a third time, nothing. Now I have zero power. My locks won't lock, it doesn't ding with the key in and door open, no radio, nothing. Is it my battery or did I fry something trying to jump it? The battery is a year old, I didn't think I'd have to replace it every friggin' year. The last drive was Friday and the wknd only hit like -9, that's nothing compared to the cold cranks it says I have (can't remember but it's higher than -9). Any help would be great cuz apparently she's getting towed if I can't do a quick fix on my own.

Thanks!!



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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1/23/2012
19:50:35

RE: Truck won't start
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Have the battery load tested. I've seen batteries go in less than a year.



Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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1/24/2012
09:05:23

RE: Truck won't start
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Make sure the clamps and terminals are clean, also.

If this is an early to mid-90s truck, the splice could be bad near the relay box. That was the reason for mine clicking and slow cranking.



dakotagurrl
Dodge Dakota
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1/24/2012
09:31:00

RE: Truck won't start
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Thanks for your replies!!
I had it towed to the mechanic and they said (bare with me, it's like Chinese when they speak mechanic to me) the battery load test was fine, the terminals were dirty, but the main problem was it wasn't getting a spark. It needs a full tuneup (which I've never had in the 8 yrs I've owned it), there's moisture in some seals and wires, and something about changing a cap and spark plugs (they lost me at wires lol).

Anyways, they said it will most likely stop violently shaking for 20 mins on start up after a rainy day. Yay...no more 2-footed driving to keep it running!!

I'm spending between $1500-2000CAD/yr in repairs on this truck now, it's a '97 w/ 270,000kms ...time to look for a new one I think. :(

Thanks guys!!



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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1/24/2012
11:11:15

RE: Truck won't start
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Yeah, after 8 years, I think it's time for a tune up.



other bill
Dodge Dakota
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1/25/2012
10:15:13

RE: Truck won't start
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Let's do some quick math...

$2000 a year on repairs / 12 months in a year = an average of $167 a month.

Now, what is an average monthly vehicle loan payment(depending on if it's 'newer' or brand new)...$300...$400...$500? a month. Even at just $300 you would spend $3,600 ($300 * 12 months = $3,600) a year on payments.

Unless you are just Jones`n for that new car smell, it is MUCH cheaper to keep what you have. Just my $.02

...but then again, I drive a `95. I did buy it new, but only after some girl hit my `77 Honda!

Oh...and I don't count normal wear items (tires, brakes, plugs, wires, distributor caps, rotor bugs, etc.) as repairs. They are going to wear out on new rigs as well as older ones.



dakotagurrl
Dodge Dakota
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1/25/2012
12:22:49

RE: Truck won't start
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I'm definitely not Jonesin' for a new vehicle, I love my truck!! It just seems like when things need replacing, it's a lot of them all at once. If it was just $167/month, that would be easier but instead it ends up being a once or twice a year lump sum.

I didn't plan on financing the new one, I save a bit of money and add my income tax return to it and pay cash for my vehicles. I don't like to take out loans or credit cards. Idk, I still have a few months before I need to decide. I just don't wanna keep paying out for repairs what the entire truck is worth. What is classified as a repair item if u don't count normal wear items as such? Wouldn't pretty much every part fall under the normal wear category if they're all being worn out through use? If not then I guess I've never made any repairs, just a lot of replacing of worn parts lol.

Thanks for the help!! =)



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