No crank no start?

1997 DODGE RAM
171,000 MILES • 5.2L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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T&JHOOPER
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We have the truck listed above 1500. I just replaced the starter, flex plate, torque converter and neutral safety switch. The truck was cranking when we tried bypassing the starter relay but now it won't. All outside lights work. dash and radio and A/C come on, but it won't crank. Starter and battery both show 12v. Don't have a clue what's going on.
Sep 11, 2023 at 11:40 PM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
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If you are getting 12 volts at the trigger wire for the starter and the battery cables are clean and tight it sounds like you have a defective starter. But to be sure let's use this guide and I have included the starter wiring diagrams and a guide to help you check for power to see where you lose it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.


Sep 12, 2023 at 5:19 AM
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T&JHOOPER
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Thank you very much, I will definitely let you know.
Sep 12, 2023 at 6:28 AM
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T&JHOOPER
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My husband tried to hot wire it at the steering column but still no crank no start and not throwing codes.
Sep 12, 2023 at 6:12 PM
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STRAILER
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Do you have power at the trigger wire of the starter while in the crank position? Please check out the wiring diagrams above.
Sep 13, 2023 at 4:13 AM
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T&JHOOPER
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The trigger wire read 0.04.
Sep 13, 2023 at 7:33 AM
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T&JHOOPER
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Found the problem, it was a wire broke off inside of the starter.
Sep 13, 2023 at 10:08 AM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Sep 14, 2023 at 4:00 AM
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T&JHOOPER
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Lol it's definitely not fixed yet. I'm hoping that's what the whole problem is and there's not more problems after this.
Sep 14, 2023 at 4:22 AM
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T&JHOOPER
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Now we have it cranking under the hood but it won't crank at the ignition...could it be a bad ignition switch or coil?
Sep 16, 2023 at 3:31 AM
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STRAILER
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It could be a bad ignition switch, did you run the test I outlined in the previous post? Use the test light to see where you are losing power. Test through the ignition switch.
Sep 18, 2023 at 3:50 AM
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T&JHOOPER
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I don't have a light, I just have a multimeter, but I'll do my best to go over the diagram. i'll start at the ignition switch.
Sep 18, 2023 at 4:44 AM
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STRAILER
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Sounds good please let me know.
Sep 20, 2023 at 1:52 AM
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