The starter and solenoid on your Dodge work along with your vehicle's battery and ignition to start your engine when you turn the key. The starter is a component that literally turns your engine over and starts it. It is connected to a flywheel that is engaged when sparked. The starter is powered by an electrical device known as a relay. A relay is similar to a fuse, but usually larger in power and its ability to store a and regulate power to some degree.
Open the hood on your Dodge and place the wrench on the bolt that keeps your negative battery cable in place. Turn the bolt to the left to loosen it and pull that cable up and off the terminal post. This will keep you from shorting out anything while maneuvering around the relay panel.
Pinpoint the location of the main relay panel. Depending on the model and year of your Dodge, the relay panel may either be located on the left or right side of the engine block. It resembles a fuse box and is typically located near the main fuse box, the battery or the Power Control Module. Consult your owners manual if necessary.
Open and take off the top of the main relay panel. Find a relay diagram on the inside of the lid. The diagram show you the exact location of the starter relay. Grasp your fingers around the relay and pull it upwards and out as you would a plug.
Line up the prongs of the new relay and place it into its socket. Put the relay cover back on and reattach the negative battery terminal with your wrench.
