Truck won’t start…..just clicks

[Dewey]

The starter went out on my 2021 Ram back in May. It was the same thing - one click and then nothing. I picked up a remanufactured starter from one of the chain part stores for $215 or so because the two dealerships near me didn't have any OEM starters in stock.

The new starter has been just fine. However, removing and installing the bottom starter bolt sucks. You have to chain together several socket extensions of varying sizes and at least one socket joint to bend around everything. My socket at that point was about 1.5ft long but it finally worked.

Good luck with replacing your starter.

Did you remove the steel bracket underneath? Some videos I watched they didn’t but imagine that would make it much easier.

Just picked up my new starter and installing later this afternoon.

 

[Dewey]

Did you remove the steel bracket underneath? Some videos I watched they didn’t but imagine that would make it much easier.

Just picked up my new starter and installing later this afternoon.

Never mind. They obviously changed that bracket for 2022. It’s much larger with at least 5 more bolts and would be almost impossible to remove it for clearance. Older videos I watched the bracket was much smaller.

I see what you mean about that bottom bolt. It’s giving me issues right now. Having a hard time breaking it loose. By the time I get enough extensions and swivels needed they all flex so much when torquing to loosen. Damn transmission lines are in the worst spot.

 

[Dewey]

All done. Wasn’t too bad once I got the right combination of swivels and extensions. Ended up less was better for breaking them loose. Deep well socket alone did the trick.

Last time I had to change a starter was back in the 80’s-early 90’s. They were much easier to access back then. Hopefully it’s my last one.

Just glad I don’t have to worry about that now. I’m in pretty remote spots often so it’s the last thing I need.

 

[HemiDude]

Glad you got it handled, surely will lend some peace of mind on your trip.

 

[Dewey]

Original starter was made in USA. New MOPAR starter was made in Japan. The case is slightly different

 

[Quint]

I'm happy that you got it done. The last starter I did was on an '85 F150. The starter was so easy to access - it took me only 20min. My Ram took me 5hrs because I couldn't get that bottom bolt out until I found the right tool combo.

 

[ihocky2]

I just had this two weeks ago. Started just fine, no slow cranks or anything leading up to it. Went out and a single click and that was it. Tried whacking the starer and it didn't fix it. Dealer said the starter was bad.

Weird thing was my battery voltage went from 13.3ish to 13.7 to 14.1 with the new starter. Seems like a parasitic draw from a short in the starter.