No sound from vehicle during start process despite lit up dashboard

MIKE GOMEZ

MEMBER
2004 DODGE DURANGO
5.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
132,000 MILES

Hello,

The vehicle was non-op for roughly two and half months from early January to early March 2017. As expected, the battery was fully discharged. I initially removed the battery and put it on a twelve volt charger and then returned it to the vehicle fully charged about twenty four hours later.

At this point I was able to start the vehicle, move it from overflow parking (flat surface) and park it in my driveway (slight uphill angle).

The first odd thing that occurred was when I attempted to turn off the vehicle. I returned the key to the off position and the vehicle continued to run. I was even able to remove the key and it continued to run. The engine only stopped when I stepped on the brake pedal. Anecdotal, I do not know.

Knowing the vehicle turn off process was not right, I waited a few minutes and restarted the vehicle again with no problem. I let it run for about a half hour in the driveway and when I attempted to turn it off, the same engine continuation after the key was removed occurred again.

Due to the fact that I am currently fighting a serious health issue, I was unable to attempt another restart of the vehicle for about two days. When, I attempted to start the vehicle, all of the dashboard lit up as though everything was normal but when the key reached the ignition "On" portion, there was not a single sound from the engine. The only thing that occurred was the dash lights dimmed as the key turned.

Long story short, I replaced the heavy duty Interstate battery with a brand new one. With the new battery inserted, I attempted to start the vehicle and was met with the same dash lit up just fine but no engine noise whatsoever as the key was turned to on.

This is where I am at as of this email generation. Strong battery in place, all vehicle electronics functioning but no apparent ignition connection to start the engine.

Three days ago, I bought and used a code reader. There were no presented active codes.

The ignition tumbler was replaced within the past five years if that helps any.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Marc G.
Central Coast, CA

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,465 POSTS

Sorry to hear about the health issues. For the vehicle I would start by checking all the fuses and the connections from the battery to the fuse box and the grounds from the battery to the engine and body. These days it doesn't take much to shut a vehicle down. Check the batter cables close as they tend to corrode from the acid inside the connectors and insulation.
I would also do a reset on the ECM (if your scan tool does it, great) if not disconnect both battery cables, touch the ends together for about 30 seconds. Then reconnect them to the battery. Sometimes the computers get flaky if the battery dies. The reset clears them out. The truck may not idle correct for a bit after the reset but it will relearn that once it runs a while.