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Dave
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2002
12:06:59

Subject: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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My '92 Dakota (3.9L, 2wd, auto) will not crank or start. When I put the key in and turn, the accessories, instruments, etc. come on ok. When I turn the key to engage the starter nothing happens and the key turns freely in the steering column.

I tried jump-starting it from another vehicle and get no response from the starter, no clicking, nothing. The instrument lights dim like there is a power draw though.

I replaced the ignition switch system in the steering column because it felt different - when turning the key all the way there was no spring detent pushing back.

The new switch system is in place, and it feels "normal" with the detent, etc. However the starter does not click or crank. Instrument lights still dim like there is a power draw.

Please help troubleshoot this one.



Dave
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6/01/2002
13:16:20

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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When I replaced the switch component I noticed there was a sliding metal piece that engages the switch on the back - it seems to slide up and down the steering column about 1/2" or so.

I don't know what it is but I think it is in ok...



don94
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6/01/2002
13:23:47

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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if u have a power draw when trying to start ur trk, it would indicate a short, start from ur starter to see if wire is ok then work bak toward ur ignition. tracing the wire from starter to ignition will be a bit of a problem with harness but thats all i can figure at the moment.



Dave
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6/01/2002
13:41:16

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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Don, it's not like a short that would take out a fuse, I mean, it doesn't seem like too much of a power draw.

It seems like it could be a batter problem (though jumping it would identify that) or a starter problem, maybe the starter and/or solenoid are screwy?




Todd W
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6/01/2002
14:16:33

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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Could be a dead cell or two in the battery, sometimes even trying to jump with the battery in the system will end in failure. Remove the battery from the other vehical and stick it in the Dodge, see if it starts then. If not, then I'd start checking the wiring from the starter back (does indeed sound like a short...) If you can't find anything loose there, pull the starter unit and take it up to the local auto parts store. It's possible that the starter is dead, some stores will check it for free. :0)



'00 RC Sport Forest Green, 3.9L, 5-speed 3.55, Hurst Comp-Plus Shifter, Clear-Corners, Speed-Glo gauges, Airaid Intake with relocated IAT, Autolite 3923s, Ported Throttle Body, Borg & Warner Cap/Rotor, Accel Coil, JBA 9mm Wires, JET Stage II

don94
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6/01/2002
14:22:17

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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dave:
did u have any indication there was a problem with the starter or battery before this happened or did it just happen. to ck battery turn on ur head lights and see if they are ok. if they are then ck wires and if thats not the problem then u have to ck the starter. i always start with the easiest solution and work the the harder one.



Dave
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6/02/2002
07:43:35

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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Thanks for the ideas - I have not had any indication that the starter was having problems though it's been in there for over 100,000 miles. I agree the next step is to pull the starter, take it and get it checked. I'll report back later today on that and maybe it'll be done or will need more help with diagnosis.
thx



Dave
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6/02/2002
15:41:06

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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I found the problem. The ignition switch tumbler, the part that has the key in it, has a circular ring on the bottom of it, about 1/4" deep. The ring is about 330 degrees of a circle with a gap open about 1/4". The edge of the gap chipped away, which is why the switch assembly would not turn far enough to engage everything.

We'll be talking to the dealer tomorrow.

Thanks to all who helped



Matthew Ross
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2/14/2003
01:03:16

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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sadly im having these same woes... only thing is, i got a good battery (lights are bright) and all i get from the dang thing is a click everytime i turn the key, if i turn the key (5)enough times, i get the code 55 for all the error codes being cleared out... then after a few more times, it just fires up like normal.. now it wont start at all... whats wrong?



Dakotav6Sport
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6/29/2003
19:08:58

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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Having the same problem with a 92 Dak. I turn the key and I get a click and the intruments dim. After a couple of times it usually starts but today it took about 3 minutes. Scared me. any help would be excellent.
~James



M. Ross
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7/01/2003
13:32:13

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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Unforunately it sounds like you have the same problem i did, the starter just clicks, but sometimes turns it over. I had this for a while until one night when i left home it started fine but when i turned to come home, i went to start the truck... i ended up pushing it home.

New starter is less than 100$ and itll make it start like a new truck altogether. This is your best bet... their not too hard to install urself either.



Dakotav6Sport
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8/12/2003
09:37:27

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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I've read other articles on here about how to remove em too. My top bolt would not budge and busted quite a few nuckles in the process. Finally gave up and reassembled the beast so I could go to work the next morning. Had a few times where it would engage and stay engaged to make a whining noise when my engine turned over. Scared me to death so I turned off motor and starter kept trying to crank by itself! Found out that starter had engaged into the flywheel and gotten stuck. Replacing starter ASAP.



Chas R
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4/02/2017
14:05:30

RE: 92 Dakota Won't Start
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Got disconnected earlier..trying to talk to a mechanic.. u have all my info for credir card



see pron
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12/20/2018
12:21:21

MOrHSJMVAzsKny
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1RZgSQ This website definitely has all of the info I needed about this subject and didn at know who to ask.



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