8.0
pretty bad
electrical problem
In the morning it will not turn over or start so I end up not going to work, I also hear a strange clicking noise at the glove box area. I usually unhook one of the battery cables at night and in the morning I rehook it and it fires up. But this does not always work.
- lhallny, Harpursville, NY, US
I purchased this vehicle new. So this is the now the longest relationship I've had. In the past 3 years I have replaced the PCM(computer) 3 batteries, 4 sets of battery clamps. Now, again I am having issues with it starting and I've got the clicking noise behind my glove box. CERTAINLY Dodge knows what this incessant clicking noise is from!!??!? On Sunday the rango was dead, jumped it, took it to AutoZone. They said battery, alt, and starter all fine. Put battery on charger over night. Monday woke up to go to work, charger said "BAD BATT" and it was dead as a doornail. Purchased a new battery. Car started fine for 2 days. Thursday morning, car won't start. Tries to, but just can't quite get there. Tonight I'm gonna take the connection off the battery and PCM. Check the clamps on the battery. WHO KNOWS!?!? UGH!
- Jo R., Cincinnati, OH, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I am finding out this is a very common problem with these durangos. My 1999 dodge durango runs great one minute and wont start the next. I will put the key in the ignition and one dash light comes on. When I turn the key everything goes DEAD. The engine will not crank, all dash lights go out, dome lights go out. The only thing I hear is a clicking sound behind the glove box. If I let the car sit for awhile or disconnect the positive cable for a few seconds it will restart. But the problem comes back again a few weeks later. I have put a new battery and starter in the car. That took care of the problem for awhile but it came back about a month later. I finally figured out that the only reason it took care of it for awhile was because of the fact that I had disconnected the battery cable, which in turn reset the PCM (computer). Dodge has known this is a problem for years but will not do a recall. Of course though Dodge has never done a recall unless sued first by the government or group of customers.
Today I am going to put a new PCM (computer) in the vehicle and will let all of you know if it took care of the problem...
- Randy R., Bonney Lake, WA, US
I have to carry a wrench in the glove box all the time because I never know when my Durango will have its little "brain cramp".
- Dave B., Forest, OH, US
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Several months ago my Durango failed to start when I came out of a restaurant after lunch. It had absolutely no power to anything, except the power mirrors, and there was a clicking noise behind the glovebox if I left the door open. The noise would stop when I tried to turn on the lights. After it sat for a while it started up. Same thing has happened numerous times. I have taken it to two dealers and neither has been able to figure out what was wrong. No error codes are displayed and they have problems getting it to reproduce the error on cue. One dealer had it for three weeks and couldn't figure it out. I can't believe that there are a large number of things behind the glovebox that click and can disable to whole electrical system, so why the #$&#@^#^&@# hell can't they figure this out??? What a bunch of idiots. I'll never buy a dodge again.
- pmcdermott, Ocoee, FL, US
I saw Don's post and my Durango is doing the exact same thing. I need to know what is going on! My Durango wouldn't start--not even turn over and no electric signal. Then I slam my door and everything comes alive and the D starts and cranks right up without a hitch!??????
- Jonny C., Niceville, FL, US
Shut it off at work, went to start it again to go home and nothing, no clicking or cranking, gauges lit up that's all, battery good tried jumping it , nothing.I had it towed and they replaced the alternator and tension pulley and said it also had a short. I waited another 2 days and got it back and it ran good for about 6 weeks. I shut it off to go in store came back out nothing not even dash lights this time. I left it there came back the next day could not open door with remote used key, tried again to start no luck but with the key still on heard noise coming from dash, banged on dash and lights came on and it started. Now I am worried this may happen again but somewhere isolated. whats up, anyone know.
- Don Z., Mahanoy City, PA, US
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My 1999 Durango has 127,000 miles on it and is running great except that, if the car has been sitting overnight and you turn the key nothing happens. You have to keep repeating this several times before you start making contact and then it will fire up. If you have been driving and the engine I all warmed up and you leave it for awhile it will start right up. Help as the problem is worsening.
- Mike C., Denver, CO, US