98 Ram won't start
 

Thanks for the great site! I have a 98 1500 4x4 with a 5.2. I just bought the truck a few weeks ago so don't know a whole lot about it. However when I bought it it started fine, i did alot of front end work to it and in the process thought the battery died. So I took the battery to Autozone they tested it and said I needed a new one. Got the new battery in, went to start it and still nothing. Headlights are normal windows work I hear the solenoid engaging but took the starter off and had the starter tested anyway at Autozone. They said it was bad, so i got a new starter and put it on. Now the same thing, it won't start. I still hear the solenoid engaging but it won't turn over or anything. Occassionally (about 1 out of every 40 attempts) would start before the new starter. Any ideas will be GREATLY appreciated!

Connections, connections, connections. Check them, clean then, tighten them, especially the large cable feeding the starter, and the battery terminals and gound connection. Sometimes a poor ground will allow enough current flow to light the lights or activate the starter drive solenoid, but it gags when it gets hit with the huge draw of the starter motor.

It could also be as simple as the ignition switch; you could rule that out by jumping two terminals on the starter (I can never remember exactly which two) and see if it cranks.

Also, try swapping the starter relay with the blower motor relay.

so I've cleaned all connecting points and replaced wires and terminal ends and still nothing. I also swapped the two relays and nothing, I can't get to the two terminals to jump it (believe me I've tried!).

So I guess I'm going to get an ignition switch and see what happens??

Does the starter do nothing at all when you turn the key? No clicks or anything?

yes, correct. No clicking. I also just replaced the starter relay and ignition switch and still nothing???

Verify you are getting power TO the starter relay. Should be 12 volts at two terminals in the relay socket.

How about the neutral safety switch?

yes I am getting 12 volts at relay and its getting to the starter

I havent checked the neutral safety switch, but I will...

????

Automatic transmission? Neutral safety switch is on the transmission near the shifter linkage.

Check this out in the FAQ/DIY section: 2nd Generation Dodge Ram Service Manuals