I have a '82 Dodge Ram D150 318. I recently got it running after being dormant since pre-COVID. Wouldn't start but got to shop who replaced carb with another used one I had in stockpile and made modifications for it to be more wide open to make starting easier (IIRC). Anyway did oil change and thought everything was good until I discovered my headlights (both) stopped working. Parking lights and blinkers STILL work. Decided to look at fuses (never looked at fuse bank even though I have had truck for around 20 years). Fuse bank HANGS and is not secured to any surface. After looking at the fuse box and poking I tried to start the truck but when I turn the key I get the engine light to turn red on the panel but NOTHING happens. No turn over of the starter motor, no flickering lights, just nothing. It still springs back and forth when attempting to start. I should point out I did have a bad battery when this problem occurred so I went to Wal-Mart and bought a new battery. So the battery is probably not the issue. Can anyone please help me?

 

If your fuse panel is hanging someone was in there doing who knows what. Have you cleaned the battery terminals? Make sure you have a good connection?

 

My now-deceased father-in-law had made his modifications down there which is easy to see. I have not cleaned the terminals but honestly think I am getting better juice since my dashboard light is brighter since I replaced battery. The fuse box is very primitive with only really fuses for the lights. I don't even see one for the wipers which is broke also (haven't determined if power or motor is problem, I replaced motor 15 years ago). The red engine light that turns on when you turn to start the car is bright and not week. No clicking or anything.

 

I would get a wiring diagram and see where you are not getting power. Neutral safety switch or starter relay/solenoid possibly.

 

Thank you for the advice.

 

There is a wiring diagram pinned to the header of this First Gen sub group.
Direction of travel: You have key cylinder, ignition rod from cylinder to switch, ignition switch, solenoid, starter.
if turned key puts on dash lights, then cylinder, rod, and switch are eliminated. Move to solenoid. Clean terminals. Try key. Not working, jump solenoid. Working now, replace solenoid. Not working, check neutral safety switch.
Last thing to check is starter.

 

The ignition key switch may also be the cause. For headlights, since they often operate on a separate circuit with a relay or thermal circuit breaker, the headlight switch and ground connections should be tested.

 

That definitely sounds like a grounding or fuse link issue to me.
I had almost the exact same thing happen on my ’85 after messing with the fuse box.
Turned out the main fusible link near the starter relay had corroded and snapped.
Might be worth checking all grounds and those old crusty wires near the bulkhead.