My Dakota was running fine up until a couple of weeks ago when the battery died. Replaced the battery and now it’s dead when I turn the key. All other electrical is working fine except for the front dome light. I’d think it was the starter relay if it wasn’t for the dome light being out. Before I start replacing fuses and relays at random, anyone have any suggestions?

 

Well, one part of the mystery is solved, but raises new question. Both bulbs blown in the dome light. Maybe that’s unrelated to the no-start, but seems pretty odd.

 

A lot of the relays under the hood are the same part, just swap the starter relay with like the horn relay, see if anything changes.

Also, does your truck have a security system of any sort? "Starter Disable" is generally part and parcel of an annoyed system.

 

Thanks. Good idea. I’ll swap relays and see if that helps.

No security system. I’ve beat this poor truck up pretty good. Don’t think anybody would bother stealing it.

 

It may have come with something stock from the factory..... If there is a little red light on the dash, along with all the others.... That's the security system.

 

Thanks. I’ve never noticed that, but could be.

 

Finally got back around to trying to run down why this truck won’t start. Established that there’s no security system.

A thing I hadn’t noticed before is that the shift lever position indicator scans over and over through all the possible positions. Keeps doing that regardless of the lever position. There’s evidently a disconnect between the shifter and the electronics. I would guess there’s a fuse or relay in that connection, but I haven’t yet been able to tell which one it is. Anybody got any advice?

 

Sounds like the trans range sensor is failing. There is a starter replay in the fuse box under the hood, that the switch/range sensor controls. Range sensor provides the ground for that circuit, provided the trans is in neutral, or park. If the PCM doesn't know what gear you are in, then the truck simply won't start. Could try starting in neutral?

 

Good info. Thanks a lot. I’ll check into that. I’m pretty sure I tried starting in neutral, but not certain, so I’ll try that next.

Is that sensor in or near the fuse box?

 

Range sensor is down on the trans, where the shift linkage hits it. I think it's like five wires?