Hard starting hot or cold. Battery and starter are fine.

It wouldn't stop the engine from turning over while trying to start. But it can make engine not start or run poorly

Sounds like a crank sensor failure crank sensor is on the top of the bell housing over the flywheeli

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service it, and how to repair etc, along with wiring diagrams, electrical diagrams, torque specs, error codes, everything.

Get a spray bottle fill with water spray the ignition wires have some one crank it to start and check for spark leakage

Most likely if the positive post is hot the battery dosent meet the CCA (cold cranking amps) required for the durango to start. Check your owners manual but using a battery that is too small (or not enough cca) will cause the positive post to heat up to the point that it will eventually melt off

first off have you checked the fuel pressure at the fuel rail take the duct off of the throttle body spray some starter fluid or carb cleaner in it and see if it starts if so you need to change the fuel filter or the fuel pump if not check your crankshaft sensor before buying any electrical componets

check, clean  and tighten connections from battery to starter

Sounds like a bad starter. A bad starter won't trigger the Check Engine light and will start when cold but when it heats up, requires more power to start when it heats up. Best of luck.
Greg

on the starter there is a big battery cable and a small signal. wire connect a test light to the signal wire and try to crank the engine. if the light comes on then you will need a starter. be sure you have good connections first good luck.bye the way the light should only be on when you hold the key in crank pos.if the light is on all the time you are on the wrong wire.

If it only makes the clicking sound during these unsuccesful start attempts, I would look at the battery, terminals on the top of it, the cables, then, barring problems there, replace the starter...accordianman