No crank

w4r10ck45 · Jan 2, 2021

1987 Ramcharger with the 318. I have scoured the internet trying to find out why I can turn the key and have everything but the radio work but no crank, no clicks, nothing.

Battery is good, new ignition switch, new neutral safety switch, new starter relay, starter bench tested perfectly, new/resurfaced connections and grounds all over the place. Please send help.

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turkeybird56 · Jan 2, 2021

Just for giggles, have U chocked wheels, insured in park, ebrake on, then crawl under truck and try to kick the starter by crossing the terminals on the starter?

If it turns over, that tells U wiring somewhere, just an old Chevy trick, work on a Dodge too.

CAVEAT: Use insulated screwdriver.

ADDED: maybe bad starter fuse in fusebox, if a 87 has em (off the wall thought)

w4r10ck45 · Jan 2, 2021

I tried it early on, plenty of spark, nothing happened. Does the key need to be in a certain position? It was "off" when we tried. All fuses are good under the steering wheel, fusible links are questionable.
My 5th one (bottom of second pic) was blown and no radio. I tapped into it and replaced it with a 40Amp ATO fuse and it pops immediately when I try and start. There's one replacing the top one also (my doing) that powers the ignition and some fuses, same deal.
This all started while going through the car wash, truck turned off and wouldn't crank to start back up.
Picture credit: Decent Garage on Youtube.

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w4r10ck45 · Jan 2, 2021

i guess i dont know how to upload pictures

Dodge 1500 4X4 · Jan 3, 2021

Hi, The 12v signal wire from the ignition switch that goes to the starter solenoid I just use a piece of 12ga wire insulated and jumper it from signal wire to the 12v stud from the battery that should crank the engine over, if not then the starter could be your problem, check with a meter that you do have the 12v from the ignition switch, you can check it out of the vehicle by using battery jumper cables, water may of gotten into the starter motor of solenoid, hope this helps.

w4r10ck45 · Jan 21, 2021

Hey guys, sorry it has taken so long for me to reply. I had some medical issues but I'm back at it. I tested the starter with a wire off the battery like was suggested and it cranked just fine but still no crank at the key.

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reek · Jan 21, 2021

well thats good info. so the actual mechanical part works. now you just have to get the signal from the key to the starter solenoid. I'd try to dig up a wiring diagram for your truck and work down the line. I'm not too familiar with an 87 and how the ignition switch is wired but I'd have to imagine the power to the steering column signals the key output to the starter relay. As long as you're getting power to the column, I'd check the starter relay next. if the output from the relay goes through the fusible link to the starter solenoid, you could try jumping the fusible link - as a test, not permanently obviously.

w4r10ck45 · Jan 22, 2021

I'll see if I can find a diagram. Any suggestion on where I could find it? The relay is new so im certain its not that. Those fusible links look rough as heck though. I want to do a switch over to blade fuses.

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No crank

w4r10ck45

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turkeybird56

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