1998 Dodge Ram 1500. Won't Crank

225

Asked by spacedragon Jan 22, 2012 at 07:59 PM about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Started it, drove it.  Shut it off will not crank.  Battery is new, have power, It also has a security system installed.  No Power to starter. Check relays and also switched them and still nothing. Checked all fuses. They are good. Cables to the batter are fine.  Any Ideas ?

17 Answers

9,935

Auto trans? See if it will start in neutral. If no, find the neutral safety switch (NSS) on the transmission and jump the terminals in the connector. BE SURE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK! Try starting the engine then. If it starts, check the cable adjustment on the trans. If that does not solve the problem or if not needed, replace the NSS.

7 people found this helpful.

unplug power to security system,if not factory installed,check for a blown fuseable link at starter,is fuel pump comeing on,

6 people found this helpful.
225

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes its an automatic. security system is factory which was not the problem. The cause was the wires going to the neutral safety switch were hanging down and when 4wd was engaged they were rubbing against the drive shaft and worn them in half. I spliced them back together and the truck started right up. I also secured the wires up away from the drive shaft. Thanks again. Bob

6 people found this helpful.
170

I have a question. When you had that problem, what was happening when you tried to turn the key to turn the truck on. did the solenoid activate but the starter wouldn't run? Because I have this problem right now.I turn the key and it does activate the solenoid but not the starter. New starter new battery after and still can't find the problem.Very frustrating...

14 people found this helpful.
225

When I turned the key to start the truck it did nothing. No clicks or nothing. My problem was the wires to the neutral safety switch were cut in rubbed through by the front drive shaft because they were hanging down. What sounds like with your problem is the solenoid might be bad. If you can get someone to help you, check for power at the solenoid, then turn the key to start and check for power on the terminal on the solenoid that goes to the starter, if you have power there you could have a bad wire from the solenoid to the starter. just because the solenoid clicks doesn't always mean its working. Hope this helps. Bob

6 people found this helpful.
30

see i got that issue also replaced battery and also replaced the starter the wires look good you here the starter engage but will not turn the fly wheel please help!!!

1 people found this helpful.
225

can you get a socket on the front of the crank shaft? does the engine turn over by hand? Was the starter tested before you bought it?

3 people found this helpful.
30

yes it was spacedragon and one thing i did notice also was when i attached new battery amp were showing it like that but when ever i turn on the ing now it shows right at 12

2 people found this helpful.
90

my friend has a 98 ram he shut it off and tried to start it it wont crank and the blower motor wont turn on but the lights and radio will all wiring and relays are good and so is the park nutral

9 people found this helpful.
10

@BWMCjimmer did you figure out what your problem was? I currently have the same thing happening..

1 people found this helpful.
30

@bwmcjimmer i am having that exact problem. did you find a solution? if so please let me know

3 people found this helpful.
30

I have the same dam thing starter zi gs when I jump but won't ingage stumped help

3 people found this helpful.
10

Did you ever figure out what that issue was. I am going through the exact same problem. And i am driving my self crazy trying to figure it out..

1 people found this helpful.
30

I having a similar problem, turn the key and nothing, it i pull the shifter down outta park, then slam it up in park it starts, not a real hard slam.... a firm slam lol. Its been like that for quite some time now, nuetral saftey switch?? Im thinking.....

3 people found this helpful.
30

20 amp yellow start soloinoid fuse was bad no crank. Replace and starts fine

3 people found this helpful.

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