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Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) '96 Auto trans w/Starting troubles

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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24v reliability

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:confused: Lately I’ve been having intermittent problems starting my ’96 Ram w/ automatic transmission. When I turn the key, nothing happens. I have power to the truck, no power drain (at least no more than normal), just no cranking. Sometimes I have to turn the key to the “off” position and back to the “on” position several times before it begins to crank & start. My local mechanic couldn't find the problem because the problem couldn't be reproduced by him--- (ain't that always the way?). So, anyone have any ideas? :confused:
 
When mine did the same thing over and over I replaced my contacts in the starter with Larry B's super size contacts and no more problems. I should have taken pics of them, one side was like brand new and the other one was toast. Sounds like the same problem you have. Good luck with the starter bolts as they can be real trying on ones nerves. :{
 
Ditto on the starter contacts. I'd look at them ASAP because (not to scare you now) the starter can stick in the start position causing the shut off solenoid to burn out and possibly leading to a fire in rare instances
 
it could also be the neutral safety switch in the transmission.



the next time it does it, put the trans in Neutral and see if it starts. if it does, then either the switch is bad or the linkage needs adjustment.
 
Do you hear the starter solenoid clicking when the key is turned? If you hear it click but the starter doesn't engage, the problem is most likely the starter contacts.

If it doesn't click, check for voltage on the small wire at the starter end. If it is getting voltage, the starter solenoid is probanbly the problem. In that case you may be facing a starter rebuild or replacement.

If there is no voltage, the problem could be in the ignition switch.



I haven't had any trouble with my truck yet but when my 90' chrysler wouldn't start I finally found that the ignition switch was broken. In fact it was the lock cylinder that broke. I could turn the switch on and everything worked OK but when I turned it to the start position, nothing happened.

There is a protrusion on the end of the lock cylinder that rotates the switch the last part of a turn to engage the starter.

The protrusion was broken and the lock had to be replaced. A new lock is in the $75 range but on some of them, parts can replaced.

When the lock has to be replaced, they will pin it for your original key.



I haven't seen anything like this mentioned on the forum before so thought I would throw it in as another possibility.

The Dodge and Chrysler locks both look alike so I would guess they are pretty much the same. Probably even interchangeable.
 
:( Actually, when I turn the key, nothing happens. No clicking, no nothin'. Though, one time, I did hear the starter continue to run for a short while after the engine started.
 
If you have a voltmeter, disconnect the small wire at the starter and check it for voltage.

If you have voltage the problem is most likely in the starter.



If you don't have voltage it could be one of several possibilities. The interlock switch on the transmission could be one of them.

It could be the ignition switch or the starter relay.

The fusible link could be burnt. Check it first.
 
ignition switch

There might be a recall on the ignition switch, dealer repalced mine but talked me int a new starter which was not the problem. stormy
 
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