So I was at work today, and at my lunch break, I attempted to start the truck, which resulted in nothing happening. I tried several times, and eventually, the key got stuck before the start position. So, I purchased a ignition lock cylinder. The ignition lock cylinder turned out to be good, it was the ignition switch that was bad. So I returned the cylinder and replaced the switch, which resulted in the key turning as normal, but the engine still not firing. At this time, it was dark, and I had to get home, so I jumped the solenoid and went. I then noticed that I had 3 idiot lights on. The ABS light, brake light, and air bag light.

Could the starter solenoid be causing the starting issue?
Or is it more likely a bad ground wire, or another wire being fried?
Would the 3 idiot lights be something I f***ed up by jumping the solenoid/replacing ignition switch?

I'm stumped.

 

If the truck started and ran by jumping the solenoid, I would check the fuse that feeds that starter. According to the '01 FSM, it is fuse 9 (30A), in PDC. It could be blown. If that is not the case, check your starter relay, and start working out from there.

Is it a manual or auto? You have to have the clutch in to start a manual, and it has to be in park or neutral to start the auto.

Not sure what would cause the other lights to come on... I'd start with fixing the starting first and see if the other issues go away. I can't see how jumping the soleoid would have caused those problems...


Thanks,
Cartman

 

Jumping the coil is a bad idea anyways, it usually ends in something getting cooked.

Those 3 lights might be an issue with a speed sensor, atleast the abs and brake light come on when the speedsensor is blown, the airbag is news to me.

goodluck and keep us posted

 

If it gets down to it pull the starter and bench test it. i had mine go out awhile back. Not the bad to do, if that is the problem

 

Here is a link that might be helpful if you are going to pull your starter apart: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml.

 

if automatic, it could be your park/neutral safety switch. if it goes bad, it won't start...

 

^ +10 i was going to mention that but i couldnt remember the name of the freaking thing

 

So i figured out what the problem was.

I spent a few hours with a multimeter testing wires to see where the current stopped. After becoming incredibly frustrated, I called a friend of mine to ask his opinion, which was this:

Check for a blown fuse.

And guess what? I spent 3 hours trying to find a blown fuse. I feel like an idiot.

 

What about a 2001 Dodge 2wd 5.2L? It just clicks when trying to start it? I changed batteries and still clicking.

 

The relay clicks or the solenoid clicks?