TEST 2: Confirming The Presence Of 12 Volts At Female Terminal B
In this section, we're gonna' make sure that 10 to 12 Volts are present at female terminal B of the starter motor relay socket in the Power Distribution Center.
We'll do a simple multimeter voltage test to confirm the presence or lack of these 12 Volts.
CAUTION: Gently probe the female terminal of the starter motor relay socket with the multimeter test leads.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Remove the starter motor relay from the Power Distribution Center.
- 2
Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery negative (-) post.
- 3
Gently probe the female terminal labeled with the letter B with the red multimeter test lead.
- 4
The multimeter should read 10 to 12 Volts with the key on or off.
Let's examine your test results:
CASE 1: 10 to 12 Volts are present. This is the correct test result.
If the starter motor did not crank the engine when you jumpered terminal B and terminal D, then your next step is to apply 12 Volts to the starter motor's S terminal. For this test to go to: TEST 3: Applying 12 Volts To The Starter Solenoid's S Terminal.
CASE 2: 10 to 12 Volts ARE NOT present. This test result usually tells you that fuse B is blown.
Your next step is to check the condition of fuse B in the Power Distribution Center. If it's blown, replace it and repeat this test section. If battery power now becomes available at terminal B, install the starter motor relay and try cranking the engine with the key.
If the starter motor still does not crank the engine, your next step is: TEST 3: Applying 12 Volts To The Starter Solenoid's S Terminal.
TEST 3: Applying 12 Volts To The Starter Solenoid's S Terminal
In this section, we're gonna' apply 12 Volts (from your Dodge Dakota's battery) to the S terminal of the starter motor relay.
The easiest and safest way to do this is with a remote start switch. If you don't have one, you can find out what one looks like here (and you can buy it here too): Sunpro Actron CP7853 Remote Starter Switch for 6V and 12V Automotive Starting Systems, Black.
CAUTION: You'll need to raise your 3.9L V6 Dodge Dakota to access the starter motor and perform TEST 3 and TEST 4. Use jack stands to keep it up. Don't trust the jack!
These are the test steps:
- 1
Make sure that the automatic transmission is park.
If your Dodge Dakota has a standard transmission, make sure it's out of gear and the parking brake is on. - 2
Disconnect the wire that connects to the starter motor solenoid's S terminal.
- 3
Connect one clip of the remote start switch to the stud of the S terminal.
- 4
Connect the other clip of the remote start switch to the battery positive (+) terminal.
- 5
Activate the remote start switch.
- 6
The starter motor should activate and crank the engine.
Let's examine your test results:
CASE 1: The starter motor cranked the engine. This is the correct test result and lets you know that the starter motor is OK.
If the starter motor is not cranking the engine when you turn the key to start the engine, then there's a good chance that the starter motor is not getting a Start Signal. Your next step is to go to: TEST 4: Making Sure The Starter Motor Is Getting A Start Signal.
CASE 2: The starter motor DID NOT crank the engine. This test result usually tells you that the starter motor is bad.
To be sure that the starter motor is bad you need to make sure that the cable that feeds it with battery current does not have a voltage drop. For this test go to: TEST 5: Voltage Drop Testing The Battery (+) Cable.
