Clicking like the battery's down, even with key removed

[TurnerHill]

So I have an older (1999) Durango set up to plow my driveway.

This morning, I went to move it, and it wouldn't start. When the iginition switch is in the first position, I get rapid clicks. Which usually means the battery is down but not all the way dead, right?

Two things. One, the lights weren't on, nor anything wlse that sould have discharged the battery in 10 hours time. Two, the clicking continues even after the ignition is moved to the off position, and even after the key is removed.

Any thoughts?

[Beeman]

Not really, but whatever is clicking with the key removed might lead you to what killed your battery.

[Bearfootfarm]

There's a short somewhere

[HermitJohn]

Well starter solenoid clicks can also mean you have bad ground or other corrosion in the connections so not enough juice can flow through. On modern vehicles lot other relays and crap that might be clicking or buzzing if they are malfunctioning. Or a short.... But starter solenoid noise is fairly distinctive and I imagine thats it.

First thing check battery voltage, if its 11 to 12 or better, then battery probably ok, clean all the connections. Every once in a while on my Ranger, everything will be completely dead. Bad connection always where ground bolts to engine. One of these days need to get one of those little prickly washers that bites into both surfaces when you tighten. But it happens so rarely that maybe just as easy to clean the connection when this happens since its easy to find and get to.

I know nothing of Durangos, havent had a Dodge since '76 pickup I used to drive. But am guess it clicks after you let off the key cause the solenoid relay is stuck closed. Again no idea about modern Dodges, but some old Dodges had separate starter relay on fender like the Fords did. Like on the Fords those could get funky. Had some old Fords keep clicking with run down battery like you describe. Cheap to replace such. If solenoid is on starter like on everything else then more expensive as they dont usually sell those solenoids separately, you pretty much have to buy rebuilt starter.

Sorry not to be more help, but any expertise i have is with the older vehicles and I am probably totally wrong in my guessing since you have newer vehicle.