1998 Dodge Ram 1500. Won't Crank

235

Asked by spacedragon Jan 22, 2012 at 07:59 PM about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Started it, drove it.  Shut it off will not crank.  Battery is new, have power, It also has a security system installed.  No Power to starter. Check relays and also switched them and still nothing. Checked all fuses. They are good. Cables to the batter are fine.  Any Ideas ?

17 Answers

10,095

Auto trans? See if it will start in neutral. If no, find the neutral safety switch (NSS) on the transmission and jump the terminals in the connector. BE SURE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN PARK! Try starting the engine then. If it starts, check the cable adjustment on the trans. If that does not solve the problem or if not needed, replace the NSS.

8 people found this helpful.

unplug power to security system,if not factory installed,check for a blown fuseable link at starter,is fuel pump comeing on,

6 people found this helpful.
235

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes its an automatic. security system is factory which was not the problem. The cause was the wires going to the neutral safety switch were hanging down and when 4wd was engaged they were rubbing against the drive shaft and worn them in half. I spliced them back together and the truck started right up. I also secured the wires up away from the drive shaft. Thanks again. Bob

7 people found this helpful.
200

I have a question. When you had that problem, what was happening when you tried to turn the key to turn the truck on. did the solenoid activate but the starter wouldn't run? Because I have this problem right now.I turn the key and it does activate the solenoid but not the starter. New starter new battery after and still can't find the problem.Very frustrating...

17 people found this helpful.
235

When I turned the key to start the truck it did nothing. No clicks or nothing. My problem was the wires to the neutral safety switch were cut in rubbed through by the front drive shaft because they were hanging down. What sounds like with your problem is the solenoid might be bad. If you can get someone to help you, check for power at the solenoid, then turn the key to start and check for power on the terminal on the solenoid that goes to the starter, if you have power there you could have a bad wire from the solenoid to the starter. just because the solenoid clicks doesn't always mean its working. Hope this helps. Bob

6 people found this helpful.
30

see i got that issue also replaced battery and also replaced the starter the wires look good you here the starter engage but will not turn the fly wheel please help!!!

1 people found this helpful.
235

can you get a socket on the front of the crank shaft? does the engine turn over by hand? Was the starter tested before you bought it?

3 people found this helpful.
30

yes it was spacedragon and one thing i did notice also was when i attached new battery amp were showing it like that but when ever i turn on the ing now it shows right at 12

2 people found this helpful.
120

my friend has a 98 ram he shut it off and tried to start it it wont crank and the blower motor wont turn on but the lights and radio will all wiring and relays are good and so is the park nutral

12 people found this helpful.
10

@BWMCjimmer did you figure out what your problem was? I currently have the same thing happening..

1 people found this helpful.
30

@bwmcjimmer i am having that exact problem. did you find a solution? if so please let me know

3 people found this helpful.
30

I have the same dam thing starter zi gs when I jump but won't ingage stumped help

3 people found this helpful.
10

Did you ever figure out what that issue was. I am going through the exact same problem. And i am driving my self crazy trying to figure it out..

1 people found this helpful.
30

I having a similar problem, turn the key and nothing, it i pull the shifter down outta park, then slam it up in park it starts, not a real hard slam.... a firm slam lol. Its been like that for quite some time now, nuetral saftey switch?? Im thinking.....

3 people found this helpful.
30

20 amp yellow start soloinoid fuse was bad no crank. Replace and starts fine

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 72 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $3,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    20,300
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,300
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
309 Great Deals out of 13,933 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
195 Great Deals out of 5,877 listings starting at $2,975
Used GMC Sierra 1500
128 Great Deals out of 6,516 listings starting at $3,975
Used Dodge RAM 2500
17 listings starting at $7,900
Used Dodge Durango
55 Great Deals out of 2,218 listings starting at $5,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
46 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $9,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
109 Great Deals out of 3,136 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
27 Great Deals out of 1,241 listings starting at $9,500
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
14 Great Deals out of 896 listings starting at $12,900
Used Dodge RAM 3500
28 listings starting at $14,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.