My 2000 Dodge Ram Cummins keeps popping the under hood 20 amp starter circuit fuse. The last week and half I have popped two. I haven't had a chance to have a look at the starter but is this an indication of a bad starter or started solenoid?

I'd have to look at my FSM when I get home, but the starter itself draws a heckuva lot more than 20 amps. If that fuse is on the control side of the solenoid, maybe.

BTW, if your starter isn't always kicking over, the contacts and plunger inside your solenoid may finally be burned out. http://www.fostertruck.com has replacement kits for both the contacts & plunger, as well as a brush set for a lot less than a new or rebuilt starter.

Wait a sec...... the Dodge page isn't available through the main page. I'd either get them through Geno's Garage or call Larry at the contact info first.

Edit: I just called FosterTruck, and there's apparently an [unknown] issue with their website. http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge is still up, and they are still selling the contact kits, brush kits, etc. for CTDs.

Sorry to tell you but your starter is kicking the bucket. My 2000 did the same thing when the starter took a dump on me. Finally just replaced the starter and no more problems.

Its not the starter, its the contacts like ChiXJeff said. Very common in all year cummins trucks.

Starter always kicks over assuming the fuse is good.

Try replacing the starter contacts.

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/

Does warn contacts cause the underhood "20amp Starter SOL" Fuse to pop? I assume so based on your all's responses.

Well the pictures speak for themselves. My Dad and I replaced the contacts and plunger. All is well. VERY EASY to do. Thank you for the awesome suggestion on the rebuild kit from Fosters. Saved 600 bucks. :grinpimp:

http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164&stc=1&d=1235717267

http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4165&stc=1&d=1235717267

Good deal. It's nice to be able to replace $30 in contacts vs a $200 starter! Mine decided to start acting up a few years back when I was in the middle of BFE Canada... click click click click... vroom.

OE Starters are 650 dollars.

My 96 Dodge started the "clicking" when trying to start, then it moved to the starter staying engaged after the truck started and I could not get the truck to shut off. I had to disconnect the batteries to get the truck to shut off. After replacing the solenoid contacts no problems. I got mine from http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/ fast shipping to. :D

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a245/aaron92685/100_0892.jpg

New contact next to old.

That from the Dodge house or Cummins?

OE Starters are 650 dollars.

Dodge house. I think Fosters wants 450.

OE Starters are 650 dollars.


Ya and you are f'n HIGH if you are going to pay that for a starter:shaking:
Even a Delco 42MT is hundreds cheaper than that!!

I would only replace it with a Denso. Larry wants 390 for one. You are forgeting the point of this post. The contact kit fixed my issues. Did I replace the starter? No.

So quit busting my balls for stating the price of a OE starter.

So quit busting my balls for stating the price of a OE starter.

Not busting your balls specifically. Just ANYBODY that would pay that much for a starter:shaking:

Don't buy any Cummins parts from Dodge... they have a ridiculous markup.

Vacuum pump seal kit from Dodge is $80 and same exact thing from Cummins is $12.

Don't buy any Cummins parts from Dodge... they have a ridiculous markup.

Vacuum pump seal kit from Dodge is $80 and same exact thing from Cummins is $12.

Duely noted.