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jayb
Dodge Dakota
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8/09/2006
16:19:50

Subject: 92 wont start...lost
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my 92 cc v8 4x4 runs fine. but the only way to start it is to use a screw driver on the starter itself. when you do that, it starts fine. when you try to turn just the key, the lights dim as they usually do when you try to start it, but nothing happens. ive checked the relay and all the fuses in the truck and all checks out. not sure where to go from here, and im not sure where the neutral safty switch is. i check some plug that is connected to the tranny right above where the linkage is connected and nothing happened. i dont know where to go from here.





clint
Dodge Dakota
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8/09/2006
18:22:05

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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its the nuetral safty switch for sure. take it to a shop if you dont know how to install it. you have toadjust them just right. and those do just go bad after awhile.

also check the starter



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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8/09/2006
22:17:00

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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JayB, how did you check the starter relay? As for the neutral start switch, it's further back on the tranny, behind where all the linkage is (I'm guessing it's an automatic). It is inserted at an angle. Do your backup (reverse) lights still work? This switch also handles that function and may help diagnose things. When you pull the connector off (usually takes a tenacious grip to do it), try to start the truck. Any difference? Typically, pulling the wires off will disable the function, and the thing will spin over with the tranny in any position, just like with a stick shift, where the switch (mounted on the clutch medal) is unplugged, a vehicle will start in gear.....just like the good old days. Be careful when replacing the connector...the 3 pins on the switch can be bent.



jayb
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2006
13:03:40

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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i pulled that connector off, and still no start. the starter is brand new. this all went down when the engine got power washed. may be a strange coincidence and might be nothing related to the wash. i believe the relay works, cause i can hear it click when i try to turn the key. im gonna take another look at the safety switch and see what happens again. if the safty switch is all good, what then? thanks.



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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8/10/2006
14:49:33

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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Okay, let's go by the book here. According to the shop manual:
Starter fails to engage solenoid or relay clicks.
Possible Cause:
1. Resistance too high in starter feed circuit
2. Starter control circuit faulty (this circuit includes the starter solenoid, starter relay, ignition switch, park/neutral switch, all their wiring connections)
3. Starter solenoid faulty
4. Starter assembly faulty

In that all these parts will wear out, doing the shotgun approach, and replacing parts as you go isn't a waste at this point....you're looking at nearly 15 year-old stuff now.
First, it says test the starter relay. So, that's the first thing I'd replace.
Next, replace the neutral/park switch. It's not hard to do. It simply unscrews with the help of a decent sized socket. Might spill a little tranny fluid. Just screw the new one in....start slowly so as to not foul the aluminum threads in the tranny. Did you check the reverse lights to see if they are still working (with the park/neutral switch hooked up)? If they don't come on when you select reverse with the ignition switch on, you'll have to replace the switch.
Usually, a park/neutral switch will outlast a starter relay 2 or 3 to one, but these days, who knows. Anyway, that's the route I'd take. Relay first, then park/neutral switch. If neither solve the issue, I'd be yanking that starter and having it checked even though it's new.



Rob C
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2006
01:28:19

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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Sounds like a bad starter solenoid to me. We know the starter works if he bypasses it. He hears a click and the lights dim so there's quite a bit of load on the battery. The relay usually doesn't put a big load on the battery but, the starter and solenoid do. The neutral safety switch prevents the load so if that is bad I don't think he'd get the dimming lights. The neutral safety switch is supposed to allow starting in park or neutral, have you tried both positions?
Just my $.02



gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2006
01:57:28

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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Agreed, it could be. My angle is, start with the simplest thing first. Since it has a fair amount of age on it, replacing the relay wouldn't be a waste, and it's very easy to do. Then the tranny switch. No dice? Dig in and pull the starter. But that's me. Any order will do.



Dan Wallace
Dodge Dakota
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8/11/2006
22:06:16

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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Had the same EXACT problem with my chevy. Turns out the positive terminal on the battery was loose and was only getting about 12.0 volts output. I tightened and it put out 12.8 volts and started fine. I would also check all your connections. Simple and stupid...but sometimes overlooked.



jayb
Dodge Dakota
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8/14/2006
23:32:15

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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it ended up being a corroded wire in the harness. what a b!tch.



Rob C
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2006
01:25:32

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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jayb, was it the infamous 3-wire splice near the under hood fuse box?



jayb
Dodge Dakota
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8/15/2006
13:07:58

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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yes



faite brown
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2010
19:14:52

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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i can start my 92 dodge with remote then turn key to on, it will stay running. but i cant start it manually with key/ignition switch.



Dyllion
Dodge Dakota
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5/13/2013
00:01:40

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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my 92 Dakota wont start, it worked fine from day before, lights work, but nothing clicks or lights don't dim when trying to start it. The anti-theft light keeps coming on, would that have anything to do with not stsrting?



dusty
Dodge Dakota
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5/19/2013
15:36:50

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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i have a 93 dakota sport. 318 automatic. it wont turn over. starter wont even engage. all the lights come on.turn the key to ON, the lights come on and the fuel pump kicks on. I have replaced the starter with a quality used one. same problem......... i am lost......can you help me with this problem?
thanks



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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5/20/2013
13:32:04

RE: 92 wont start...lost
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Have you tried the starter relay?



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