Looking for advice on which way to go. Other day my 2001 Dodge 2500 would not even turn over. Charged the batteries and still nothing. Started to check the fuses and found that I had blown the 20 amp starter solenoid fuse located in the fuse box under the hood. Replaced the fuse tried starting the truck and blew the fuse again. Had my son crawl under truck due to me being confined to a wheelchair and tap on the starter motor and solenoid with a hammer and then tried to restart the truck and if fired right up. Did some online research and found out that this starter is known to have issues with the solenoid contacts wearing down. I am now thinking that maybe this maybe my issue and that the solenoid is grounding out to the case which is causing the fuse to blow. Or do I have a greater problem and should just replace the entire starter? Also do you think my son can remove the starter so he and I can rebuild the solenoid? Reason I ask is that he has never done anything like this before. Or should I just take it to a shop and have them do the job

Thanks in advance
Charles

 

I would replace the starter.

 

Starter is a very easy job, three 10mm 12pt bolts hold it to the bell housing, one large cable and one small wire. The sizes vary on those two between starter brands, the top bolt is tough to reach for some people. Break it loose with a wrench (maybe a hammer too) then get a stubby 10mm ratcheting wrench to remove it.