I drive a 1998 dodge ram 1500 5.9L 2WD extended cab at first my starter was going out some times when try to start my truck nothing would happen i would tap on the old starter then it will start i replaced the starter yesterday after replacing the starter with no problem(i did bench test the new starter before i installed i) the truck is doing the same thing the only way i can get it to start is to disconnect the wire going to the starter from the fuse box under the hood and give it direct power

when i turn the key to step 2 all the lights come on like normal its just when i put it in step 3 to turn over nothing happens the relay does click but i am not getting any power with the multimeter on the wire that goes to the starter from the ignition switch i checked the fuses and relays.i figured it as an ignition switch so i spent $70 at autozone on a new switch and come to find out that i need to buy a new key cylinder also for some reason my old one does not fit in the new ignition switch's and that's another 60 dollars so now i am here before dropping more money on non refundable parts if anyone had any ideas .

 

Take the ignition switch back. If the relay clicks when you turn the key to start, the ignition switch is doing its job. After all, all it does is control the relay.

If you aren't getting power AT THE STARTER, that is either a bad relay, or, the relay isn't getting the power it should. Easy to test if its a relay, just swap with the horn relay. (your horn does work, right?) If that doesn't help, make sure you are getting power TO the relay.

You can download the factory service manual, granted, its for the 01 model year, but, it will be almost exactly the same as yours. (the 97 manual will be quite different.....) Look for the service manual thread in the faq section here.

Welcome to DF!

 

i swapped the relay with the other relay still not working also i notice my blowers are not working when i get the truck started by running direct power to the ingnition post on the starter. sadly autozone will not take the switch back its an electrical part they told me that before they sold it to me i am mad that my key barrel wont fit in it unless i buy a new key barrel that cost as much as the starter

 

I have a stock ignition switch with a key for sale

 

Sounds like a possible blown fuse in the PDC, not supply power to the ignition switch.

 

the lights come on like normal step 2 i check the ignition fuse ill check again its just when i turn the key to step 3 to activate the starter nothing happens

 

Does the relay click? Or am I getting you confused with another thread?

 

also noticed that my power windows dont work

 

UPDATE: problem solved the problem was a bad fuse in the pcd and a loose black and orange wire going to the ignition switch i had to re strip the wire thanks for all who helped i am stuck with a brand new ignition switch from autozone i cant use i think they should at least give store credit fyi autozone does not give refunds on electrical parts