I just recently purchased a 1990 Dodge W150 with the 5.2l 318 in it. I drove it about 80 miles back to my house, turned it off for 5 minutes to let the dog out, then came back out and it would not crank. It wont turn over, or even make a sound. I know that when some older trucks get really hot, you need to let them sit before you try to fire them up again, so I waited until the next morning to try again. It still wouldn't crank.
When I bought it, the guy said the coil pack would need to be replaced and showed me where it was sparking excessively. I replaced it thinking it was the issue, and got no start. I then replaced the starter relay. No start. Replaced the starter itself, no start again.
I'm not too familiar with this kind of stuff and would appreciate any information so that I'm not spending money on stuff I don't need to be. I have verified that the battery is good as well.
I have been reading up on anything that might pertain to the issue and have been told that it could be the ignition switch, the S wire, or the tension wire that goes to the coil pack. I am going to look at all of that later today and run a test light along everything. Any information is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.
John

 

So, the starter motor never bothers to try and crank the engine over?

Does the relay click when you turn the key to start?

 

Might try moving the shifter to neutral. Neutral safety switch may be starting to go.

 

I as well am having the exact same issue with my 1992. I replaced the nuetral safety switch and the ignition switch. There is nothing like the battery is dead when I try to crank it, starter don't even try to engage. It's like the starter isn't getting power to it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Where might I locate the starter relay on this?

 

In the PDC. (fuse box, under the hood, right behind the battery.)

 

No fuse box in the engine compartment on a 1990. It's bolted to the fender apron.

 

Would this also apply to a 91 ?

 

I would start by making sure the battery is good . It should measure 13.4 VDC just sitting , if it drops under 12.5 VDC it's likely toast. Do you have headlights ?

 

Yes, the headlights and dome light both light up nice and bright