I have an 89 Ram Charger which a few weeks back suddenly died and there was a faint burning smell, and after this NO power to the key switch. This truck is only used around the farm so I would be happy to just be able to start it, whether all electronics work properly or not. What all has to be "hot wired"? Do these have electric fuel pumps? I dont have much electronic mechanical knowlege. Am I in over my head? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks

 

First thing to do is check the fuses. They are located under the dash just to the left of the steering column. The fuse panel un-snaps from the dash and swings down. Depending on what fuse is blown, the electric fuel pump may be disabled from a blown fuse.

Next I'd look around where the smell was from and look for burned wires. Check under the hood and visually trace the wires looking for anything that appears burnt or may have come in contact with the exhaust manifolds or something spinning, burned through the insulation and shorted out.

If you still can't find anything obvious, I'd take it to someone who knows how to troubleshoot automotive electrical issues. Trying to bailing-wire something together will only be met with frustration and potentially a fire.