Hello all- been meaning to sign up for the forum since buying my 2011 Dakota Bighorn (4.7/5sp) about a week and a half ago. Now I'm getting around to it because my truck is immobile and I need to drive to work in the morning! Hopefully you all have some ideas.

So, I swapped out my factory head unit last week and decided I really couldn't stand the new stereo (sound stream double din... terrible interface, slow etc).

So, today I pulled it to return to crutchfield and replaced it with a new pioneer unit. As I was messing with the back up camera, the stereo quit working. I figured that I blew a fuse. I went in to eat and then came out to start the truck so I could move it out of the way for the wife to be able to pull out of the drive to go to work. I turned the key and the truck did not start!

So here's where we are:

Swapped stereo, no problems before
Now: truck won't start
turning the key doesn't engage the starter solenoid, but I do hear some relays clicking in the fusebox. I've tested, I think, every fuse in the box. I've swapped some of the matching relays (wiper relay / starter relay) with no luck.

I traced the wire back from the starter solenoid to a quick disconnect near the battery and the base of the fuse box. There's no voltage there when I turn the key to 'start'.

Is there some sort of anti-theft thing that I triggered while working on the stereo that needs reset? If so, how do I do that? I've tried disconnecting the battery, sticking the key in the drivers door, locking and unlocking with the key fob, etc.

If there isn't an anti-theft thing, does anyone know where I can find a schematic or something for what components to check between the key and the starter?

Also, when I turn the key, everything else seems to work (blower, dash, headlights, wipers, power windows/locks, etc).


Thanks for any help you can give. Really wishing I would've stayed in bed sick today instead of getting restless and deciding to work on the stereo!!!

 

Forgot to mention: I disconnected the new stereo just in case it had anything to do with the problem.

 

.... Turns over if I jump 12v directly to starter. Anyone know about antitheft? Not sure if I need to chase that or look for something else.

 

If you turn the key on and jump the start relay, does it start and run?

 

I tried jumping the starter last night- it did crank. I only bumped it so I'm not sure if it would run.

 

It turns over that way but does not start. Tow truck is on the way.

 

How did you wire the radio up? Any change in wiring from when you installed the other radio? Did you use the CANBus interface for plug in play or slice the wires yourself?


It sounds like it's a ground issue.

 

I was thinking maybe Ignition switch.