Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Wont start

[cromptrj]

I tried to start my truck today and after the heater went off i tried a start nothing happened. I just turn the key and it don't even click i cleaned the battery cables and battery posts tried it again nothing happened. I have read on here that the contacts in the starter go out but is that what it does there is nothing happening ? OH ya the batterys are not dead they are fully charged.

 

[EBottema]

Did you check for voltage down by the starter?



If you do not have any, prob have bad starter contacts. Smack the starter with a rubber mallet and see if it works. Contact LarryB for starter contacts.

 

[Howard Durand]

In my 94, when the igniton switch is turned to the start position it picks up the engine start relay in the power distribution center which, in turn, energizes the starter solenoid through a 40 amp fuse in the distribution center.

It also picks up the fuel shutdown relay which, in turn, picks up the fuel shutdown solenoid. This you should be able to see or hear if the starter relay is working and the fuse is not blown.

I am assuming that this also holds true for the 97.

If so, it could be a blown fuse, a bad relay or a bad ignition switch.



If the fuse is blown, you probably have a problem in the starter.



To check the starter relay, you could exchange it with one of the others in the distribution center like the horn relay. If the horn still works the relay is OK.

If you have a volt meter and a wiring diagram, you could do some voltage checks that would help locate the problem.



If it started OK the last time you used it and there was no indication of trouble when you shut it off, I would suspect the ignition switch. Does it feel any different when you turn the switch to the start position than it did before?

The reason I ask this is my 90 Chrysler New Yorker did the same thing one day. Turned the key and nothing happened, not even a click. It turned out that the ignition lock itself was broken. There is a projection on the end of the tumbler that the key is inserted into. When it is turned past the normal run position, it catches and rotates the start portion of the switch until it makes up the start circuit.

That projection was broken off and did not turn with the tumbler.

If that is the problem, you can remove the switch and take it to a dealer. They should have, or be able to get, the parts to repair it.

The Dodge uses the same switch.



Sorry to be so long winded but the way you describe the trouble it sounds like nothing is getting energized when you turn the key.



One other possibility would be the clutch interlock.

 

[cromptrj]

Howard, Thanks for the info! I took the starter off today and went to a local shop that rebuilds starters and alternators and stuff like that he put my starter on the bench to test it. I was watching he hooked up power and it worked so i took it home put it back on the truck and it just spun the gear didnt kick out and turn the fly wheel so i ordered Larry B's contact kit i hope thats it i got to get it running before next week because its getting the dynatrac hub kit. . I dont know what else to do ?

 

[EBottema]

I was the first to mention the rebuild kit. Good luck with them.



"Never any credit for the little guy "-R. D.



Erik

 

[Howard Durand]

I don't care who's suggestion proves to work. The more information available the better chance the guy has of finding the problem.

That is what this forum is all about.



I think Larry B's kit includes a new plunger for the solenoid which makes up the three parts of a contact kit. That may be all that you need but I checked the service manual and In addition to what has been said, am wondering if you don't have more of a problem than just contacts.

If the starter is spinning but not engaging the ring gear, it would appear that there is something wrong with the mechanism that drives the starter gear into engagement.

If the contacts were bad, the starter would probably not turn at all.

The book says that if the starter engagement mechanism fails, the starter would have to be replaced or rebuilt.

Let us know how it turns out.



Howard



P. S. I hope I am wrong on this