My 98 Dakota only clicks each time I turn the key. Tried knocking the starter and solenoid with a hammer but no luck.

Change your starter as it sounds to me like the Solenoid is gone inside the starter.

this sounds like you have a problem with the starter solenoid contacts in the solenoid.change the starter motor as it comes with the solenoid and the starter sometimes goes bad afterwards.or you can buy just the solenoid and replace it alone.

2 ways to test starter.
have someone hold key to START and test the ignition wire at the solenoid
if it does then tap the starter with a hammer, it should turn over

If you are sure there is no current to the starter. Then you must have an open somewhere in the harness from the solenoid to the starter. Find it. If it is clicking the solenoid and allowing current to reach the starter motor but the Bendix on the starter is not slinging out and engaging the flywheel then you should try hitting the starter body with a hammer to free up the stuck bendix. If this works, your starter is on it's way out. If it doesn't your starter might well be shot already.

You may have a bad ignition switch or bad starter solenoid. I would check to see if the starter solenoid is getting power on the small wire when you turn the ignition switch to the starting position.

Sounds like you have starter or starter solenoid problems try tapping on starter housing with a hammer while someone holds the key in the start position.If that doesn't work using a test light to good engine ground make sure you are getting power to the large wire on the solenoid all the time and the small wire with the key in the start position.GOOD LUCK

When you do try and start the vehicle does the lights in the car go out or dim? Like it is sending all juice to the starter? Might have someone knock on the starter a little with a mallet or small hammer and see if it is stuck. could be a loose wire on the starter solenoid.

I think I'd replace the battery cables, starter solenoid, both inexpensive and dumb question... any chance starter has bad connection where it is bolted to block. If it's not getting a good clean connection it can lose continuity. Good luck.

Hello rperry38:

The click you hear is the starter solenoid engaging. Most of the time this condition means the starter is ready to be replaced. As a matter of fact this happened to me of my F150 pickup just a few weeks ago.

The red (+) lead of the battery should have a large wire running down to the starter. The starter is located at the rear portion of the engine down low. Just follow the battery lead and you will see it. The solenoid is located on the top of the starter. try tapping the starter, (medium hard) with a hammer and try to start the engine. With me this worked.

The best way to check the starter is to take the car (if you can get it going) to a place like Auto Zone

If you need a new starter, I suggest you get a rebuilt one. Just as good and cheaper. BTW a new starter will come with a new solenoid already mounted.

Hope this helps Loringh

the starter should be replaced. The solenoid is kikcing the pinion out but there is no contact being made to turn the starter motor. I have the exact same truck and before i changed the starter used the old starter tap trick. Tap the starter casing with a hammer and it should start turning again. hope this was helpful for you. Good luck.