So sometime in september I posted about being given a free 92 dakota. I didn't have the title yet so didn't put any time or money into it. Now, in January, the owner has the replacement title in the mail. Great news, I finally can at least put some time into the truck. I go to start the bastard and absolutely NOTHING happens. I replaced the battery, tightened there terminals, attempted to jump start the battery about 6 times and nothing. No lights, no clicking, nothing. For weeks i've tried to start the thing and I'm just now (because stupid) realizing its probably not the battery. I need help. I'm pissed off and clueless. I'll do my best to attach a photos or a video. any help is appreciated.

 

Battery cables, both ends.

There may be excessive corrosion in the cable, or at either end.

So, no headlights or horn either?

RwP

 

Check the fuses

 

Other possibilities could be the starter solenoid and the ignition switch itself. The thing was free for a reason, see if the donor can offer up any additional info. Also check the coil and plug wires to see they are making contact. Check that the Distributor cap and the rotor is in good shape. I'm sure you've done most of this but just in case I mentioned it.

 

Here are two videos: of a look underneath the hood at the wires. and the is inside the truck. I show how it doesn't do anything when i turn the key. There is a strange killswitch under the dash but i'm not sure what the hell its doing there.

 

Nope, no headlights or horn. absolutely nothing. I posted a video in the thread of what exactly happens. but its as if theres no battery.

 

Good idea, just pulled the starter fuse. will check with a multimeter tomorrow.

 

You should be able to tell by looking. It's a 50amp one belive. I had a very similar problem. If it is the fuse, it will probably keep happening, so it may be worth to by a breaker instead of a fuse

 

*looks at video*

*facepalms*

OK. Before you do ANYTHING else.

REPLACE BOTH THOSE BATTERY CABLES WITH COMPLETE NEW ASSEMBLIES. NOT JUST THE ENDS WITH THOSE BOLT ON PIECES OF JUNK, THE ENTIRE CABLE, BATTERY TO BLOCK AND BATTERY TO STARTER.

Got that? Good. Those clamp on terminals are crap, they've crapped out, you've got rust and oxidation between them and the wire, and you will NOT get a good charge through them. And if the other end is as bad, well, there's your problem.

This may not fix your problem - but you WON'T fix it until THIS is taken care of.

(This is along the lines of "I dunno why it's not starting when it turns over?" with a big hole in the gas tank .... )

RwP

 

How did you determine that the battery was not dead? These motors need a good jolt and sitting for 4 months can let a battery die. If it has died a jump won't budge it. Take the cables off and bring them in to the shop to get the new ones. Have them install the end connectors. If you can bring the battery with you and have it checked. That switch looks like someone added an after market doodad. Mine has one I still don't know what the heck it was for. I'm guessing it is for fog lights.