Dodge Dakota (ND). Manual - part 245

3.7L / 4.7L With Auto. Trans.

1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.

2. Raise and support vehicle.

3. Note: If equipped with 4WD and certain transmis-

sions, a support bracket is used between front axle
and side of transmission. Remove 2 support
bracket bolts at transmission. Pry support bracket
slightly to gain access to lower starter mounting
bolt.

4. Remove two bolts (3) if equipped with an automatic

transmission.

5. Move starter motor (4) towards front of vehicle far

enough for nose of starter pinion housing to clear
housing. Always support starter motor during this
process, do not let starter motor hang from wire
harness.

6. Tilt nose downwards and lower starter motor far enough to access and remove nut (2) that secures battery pos-

itive cable wire harness connector eyelet (1) to solenoid battery terminal stud. Do not let starter motor hang from
wire harness.

7. Remove battery positive cable wire harness connector eyelet (5) from solenoid battery terminal stud.

8. Disconnect battery positive cable wire harness connector from solenoid terminal connector receptacle.

9. Remove starter motor.

INSTALLATION

3.7L / 4.7L With Manual Trans.

1. Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps on).

2. Position battery cable (1) to solenoid stud. Install

and tighten battery cable eyelet nut (2). Refer to
Torque Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to
hang from wire harness.

3. Position starter motor (5) to transmission.

4. Install and tighten lockwasher (6) nut (8) and bolt

(9). Refer to Torque Specifications.

5. Lower vehicle.

6. Connect negative battery cable.

8F - 50

STARTING

3.7L / 4.7L With Auto. Trans.

1. Connect solenoid wire to starter motor (snaps on).

2. Position battery cable (1) to solenoid stud. Install

and tighten battery cable eyelet nut (2). Refer to
Torque Specifications. Do not allow starter motor to
hang from wire harness.

3. Position starter motor (4) to transmission.

4. If equipped with automatic transmission, slide

cooler tube bracket into position.

5. Install and tighten both bolts (3). Refer to Torque

Specifications.

6. Lower vehicle.

7. Connect negative battery cable.

RELAY-STARTER MOTOR

DESCRIPTION

The starter relay is an electromechanical device that switches battery current to the pull-in coil of the starter sole-
noid when the ignition switch is turned to the Start position. The starter relay is located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. See the PDC cover for relay identification and location.

The starter relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions.

The starter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted. If faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

OPERATION

The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one movable) elec-
trical contacts. The movable (common feed) relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts (normally closed)
by spring pressure. When electromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable contact away from normally
closed fixed contact, and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed contact.

When electromagnetic coil is de-energized, spring pressure returns movable contact to normally closed position.
The resistor or diode is connected in parallel with electromagnetic coil within relay, and helps to dissipate voltage
spikes produced when coil is de-energized.

REMOVAL

The starter relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.

1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.

2. Remove cover from Power Distribution Center (PDC) for relay identification and location.

3. Remove starter relay from PDC.

4. Check condition of relay terminals and PDC connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair if necessary

before installing relay.

5. Check for pin height (pin height should be the same for all terminals within the PDC connector). Repair if nec-

essary before installing relay.

INSTALLATION

1. Push down firmly on starter relay until terminals are fully seated into PDC receptacle.

2. Install PDC cover.