New to the forum and fairly new to Dakotas as well. Bought the V8 from a buddy as a hauler. Jumped in a few days ago and it wont start. Wont even crank over. Turn the key and....nothing. codes come up 12 62 55. I knew about 12 because I replaced the battery recently. I also replaced the computer less than a year ago (along with several other things not related to the ignition system), so the 62 is weird. Battery (currently) is fully charged. No wear on any wire harnesses. All the fuses/Relays look good. All electical systems come on when I turn the key, so I'm not thinking a wiring issue either. Anyone have any idea what to do next? Just dropped 4.5K on a new transmission for another car, so I kinda am wanting tips on how to fix this myself without towing it to a shop. Anyone have any ideas? Are there any previous posts I have missed here?

Do the dash lites come on when you turn the key? If not, start with cleaning the battery terminals.

You sound like Ralph.

Yet it is GREAT advice!

If that aint it it sounds like ignition system somewheres.

Yeah, I learned from the best.

If the lights DO come on, try starting in neutral.

Lights come on. I tried starting it in neutral and still nothing.

Manual, or automatic?

Check shift linkage on auto tranny?

Or neutral safety switch.... It may have just come unplugged..... he did have trans work in recent memory.

Automatic. Not sure how to check the linkage, but that's something I can probably Google. Haven't heard that suggestion yet, so thanks for giving me another option.

I went thru 1 or 2 NSS on mine. The linkage has given me more fits. They get the big part right (tranny), but fall short on the minor details ($10 NSS or $2.49 linkage bushing).