I bought a 96 Dakota from a retired man in The Villages, FL. The truck is in great condition. Approximately 86K miles. Recently, my truck won't start by simply using the key. I have to turn the key to the on position, open the hood, and then start the truck bymaking a connection ofthe two screws on the top of the starter. I am not a mechanic by any means and have been attempting any possibility that my friends have come up with. Unfortunately, they are not mechanics either. We have tried the clutch switch, the ignition switch, and checked all of the fuses. Has anyone had a similar issue? What do I need to do? Any help will be greatly appreciated. GT -- Orlando, FL.

 

Have you checked the starter relay orauto shut down realy(asd). The realy may be bad or a short on the wires somewhere. Try switching the realys around and see if it works with a different one. If that doesnt work get a mutimeater or a test light and check to see if the realy is geting power. If its not try running a jumper wire to power and it should work. Good Luck.