Click. Click. Crank

[mjoekingz28]

On a 02 Dodge Intrepid 3.5 V6 Im having starting issues. I don't know how old the battery is or if the starter has been replaced. Sometimes when I go to crank it, it will just click when I turn the key, but will eventually crank, or will just fire up right away at first key on.

I figured it was the battery since I had the same problem with my Saturn and it turned out to be the battery. But with the Saturn the AAP tester showed needing a new battery while AZ said everything was ok. Now, on the Intrepid the AAP tester said everything was ok. The guy testing suggested getting a new starter, said it was in the solenoid. IS there any way to check this, w/o throwing parts at it (gets old REAL quick).

I almost got the new battery and had the old core with me, but only had $90 on me. He tested it after the fact. Didn't know batteries were so high as last year it costed me $60.

 

[Billbert]

It will take 2 people, when you just get a 'click' hold the key in the start position. Have someone else give the starter a good rap with a hammer (not hard enough to break it) If the starter starts cranking, replace the starter.

 

[wallyuwl]

Order your battery online from AAP and use a coupon code (see the section of these forums where deals/disounts/etc. are listed). Same with any other parts you might need, including if it is your starter.

 

[FL_Rob]

Before anything else... reset your grounds ,all of them,and use
dielectric grease or at least a petroleum jelly.I almost replaced a good starter for naught because of bad grounds.I hope thats all it is for you ,too.

 

[motorguy222]

We have a Dodge truck that was doing the same or similar.I replaced the positive battery cable connector and it is working fine now.I used a steal connector instead of the lead ones that are usually used.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Connections or the starter has a flat spot.

 

[ms21043]

The car probably has a Denso gear reduction starter. The clicking you hear is the solenoid plunger moving. The plunger connects the the battery to the starter motor through a couple of contacts, the amperage crossing these contacts is high and the contacts wear. Eventually you end up with the problem you describe.

You have a few options: Replace the starter, replace the contacts or, what I've done a few times in the past, remove the contacts, build them up with brazing rod and re install them.

Here's a picture of what worn contacts look like, the solenoid plunger has been removed in this picture:

 

[fdcg27]

I've had to replace the starters in both Accords in the past six months.
I wasn't too rushed, since both are sticks.
With an automatic, though, I'd either fix it or replace it quickly, since it will leave you stranded when it finally ceases to function at all.
Check out AAP using one of the discount codes.
A123 still works.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: ms21043
The car probably has a Denso gear reduction starter. The clicking you hear is the solenoid plunger moving. The plunger connects the the battery to the starter motor through a couple of contacts, the amperage crossing these contacts is high and the contacts wear. Eventually you end up with the problem you describe.


^^^ This. I had this problem on my old '97 Dakota. I rebuilt the solenoid with a rebuild kit from online (I think it may have been Rockauto). Worked great, and is still working fine I assume (sold the truck).

 

[motorguy222]

Before you go and get a starter etc.,check and or replace any battery connections.As I stated,we have a Dodge truck that was doing the same thing.

I replaced the positive battery cable connector and it is working fine.Starts right up,no problems.

It is better to check the small things that may be wrong than to go out and spend a hundred dollars and still have the same problem.

 

[mjoekingz28]

I hate to jinx myself but it has been cranking fine since starting this thread. I tried unscrewing the bolt that holds the wire on the starter, but my metric wrench just rounded it a bit. Some bolts/nuts on this car are metric, some SAE its a guess to which is which.

Anyway, I took a toothbrush and brake cleaner to said contact and it has been ok. If it acts up again, I will find a SAE wrench and clean it better.

Thanks to you and the guy at AAP for saving me a $100 battery.

 

[morris]

i would use anti-sieze compound on all threads. so it comes apart next time

 

[mjoekingz28]

I use AS on just about everything. But as I said, I didn't take the bolt off as my metric wrenches didn't fit.

Weird car. Its a guess whether the next bolt I go to check will be metric or SAE.

On top of that it is FWD but has a separate transmission and differential. Engine is mounted as a RWD would have it.