2002 Dodge Ram 1500

It's an SLT not ST by the way.

It sounds like the ignition switch itself is bad.

Ok thank you Mike I was starting to look up videos, and it looks like a simple fix.

So I changed that out yesterday, the old one was burnt out, but it's still doing the same thing.

You changed the electrical portion, the mechanical lock cylinder could be bad too.

Ok thank you

Could having a loose gas cap be the problem?

what you described in your original post was that the engine would not turn over for 3-5 seconds upon turning the key. that denotes some kind of problem in the ignition switch area. a loose gas cap would cause an evap leak and throw a check engine light. While an evap leak could cause a CEL, it would have nothing to do with how long you hold the key before the engine turns over.

Ok the part comes in on the 10th so I will let you know how it goes

I changed out the ignition lock cylinder today and it's still doing the same thing.

I wish I could be there to see exactly what is going on, but I admit I am stumped. I would suggest messaging some of the guys listed as experts on your vehicle on the right side of this page. dandyoun is a good choice. I am really sorry.

I did read a post on another site, they were having a similar issue and it ended up being the security system. There is something called an exciter ring that lets the starter go when you turn the key. If the ring is bad or if the key fob isn't sending a good signal something like this can happen.

Ok thank you

Didn't you ever figure the issue out? I have the exact same problem.

reset your computer by disconnecting the battery for about 60 seconds and reconnect. this will reset most of the soft codes. the hard codes will have to be reset by computer (usually at a dealer or garage).

Check to see it u have any gas leaks or maybe the gas pressure is low