Will not crank

WHIPLASH46

MEMBER
1988 DODGE DAKOTA
4.9L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Battery new. Jump starter at starter, cranks turn key on gauges have power. Turn key to start gauges peg out but nothing.

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 AT 8:47 PM

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Does "but nothing" mean the starter does not crank the engine? If so, what happens to the brightness of the head lights or interior lights when you try to crank the engine? Have you tried it in neutral? Can you hear if the starter relay clicks?

If you have a test light, we can do all the testing at the socket for the starter relay.

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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 AT 9:59 PM

WHIPLASH46

MEMBER
2 POSTS

If I take screw driver at starter jump it will turn engine. Turn key to start all gauges go up to max but nothing happens.

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Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 AT 3:00 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you have a neutral safety switch that has gone out. Here is a guide and some diagrams to help you confirm the problem and get the truck fixed.

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

Check the diagram (below)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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