2000 Dodge dakota starting problems?

Question

Ok guys,  even though I am a ASE certified master tech,  we all at one point or another get a vehicle that will just make you scratch your head.    So I need your help
I am working on a 2000 Dodge Dakota, 4.7 V8 Magnum engine,  auto trans.     What is happening is that when you try to start the engine , it acts like as if it has a weak battery,   it turns over very slowly when you turn the key to start.  another term used is that it drags.    Here is what has been done and checked:

The battery is fine...........putting out 600 amps under a load test.   Even used another battery just to verify that I didnt have a battery problem. 
Starter did have to be replaced because of a bad solenoid.  was tested at my local parts and machine shop.
All cables are in good condition , terminals and all connections are clean and tight.

Is there something that I am possibily overlooking?   you know,  that simple thing that is right there staring at you causing the problem?
Im open to suggestions.   

Thanks for your input

Bigg Dogg · Accepted Answer

Verify what the starter draw is on the engine with a true amp reading off the positive cable .. shouldn't pull much more than about 120 130 amps on constant crank. If this is what you have, I also am sort of stumped.. Does the engine turn over so slow as to not ever start?
What happened at first to get you here? I have had vehicles that have showed up at the shop and had the same symptoms, only to find out that the engine had been overheated and the bearings were cooked and had started to spin on the crankshaft.  Basically the starter was drawing about 400 amps and was working it's *** off but the engine was damn near locked up..May not be your problem ,but definitely worth a look. 
Otherwise you have already heard the "check all grounds and connections" speech.

Hope this helps

Tod

Jacquelyne · Answer

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RE:
2000 Dodge dakota starting problems?
Ok guys,  even though I am a ASE certified master tech,  we all at one point or another get a vehicle that will just make you scratch your head.    So I need your help
I am working on a 2000 Dodge Dakota, 4.7 V8 Magnum engine,  auto trans.     What is happening is that when you try to start the...

Anonymous · Answer

You checked resistance to the grounds?  The starter isn't covered in oil from a leak above it is it?  How many amps is the starter pulling?  I've seen starters that tested good on the bench and then didn't have enough strength to actually turn the motor over.  Does maybe the truck have a draw that is maybe pulling the battery down when it is shut off, and then when you'd go to start it the next time the battery is low.  Other than that I can't think of a whole lot off the top of my head.

Janice · Answer

ive got a 89 dekota that had the same problem clean the battery connections on the terminal wires and the battery post get them clean and dry put it together very tight that should fix the problem and check the starter motor terminals its starts each time now good luck with yours

2000 Dodge dakota starting problems?

4 Answers