Questions and Answers
Dodge Truck Clicking
Q. I have a 1977 Dodge truck, 440 4bbl. A/T. The guy I bought it from had lost the keys and had it hot wired to start it. I put in a new ignition switch. Problem is sometimes when I turn the key it just clicks, then if I keep trying it will turn the engine over.
Think he burned up or damaged the relay? Or do I need to put in a new starter? The battery is new. One other thing I recently noticed is that the headlights dim when speed is reduced to idle or if you hit the brakes. Alternator? Starter? Relay? Battery? Or all?
Thanks for the help!
A. If the starter clicks when you turn the key, that is telling you juice is getting to the starter. So I would say the problem is with the starter.
If the lights dim when you go to idle, then you probably have a loose alternator belt or the idle speed is too low. I would set the idle speed to 750 rpm in Drive. It is also possible the alternator has an amp rating too low for the truck. In a truck with that engine, you should have, at least, a 72 amp alternator and a battery rating of at least 650 CCA.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
