Cranks but no start until I put in neutral, coast forward and then put back in park

[Art Truex]

I have a 2002 Ram 1500 4.7. A few months ago, I had an instance where it would crank fine but not start. I had it towed to a local shop and once they got it off the tow truck, it started right up and they couldn't find any issue. Since then, it has done it a couple more times, but I discovered that when I put it in neutral and let it coast for a few inches or feet, and then put it back in park, it will start right up like normal. The only other symptom I've noticed during this episode is that when it did it the first time, I noticed that the fuel guage (and maybe some other gauges, can't remember) would not move when I turned the key enough for all the lights on the dash to light up (but not crank), but when it's working normally, the fuel guage does work when I turn the key to the point the dash lights come on. I'm very perplexed and cant find anything like this while searching the internet.

 

[MikeT]

Could be an intermittent ignition switch, or possibly an intermittent contact at the ignition switch. A switch contact clean and dielectric grease treatment may be a cure. Love intermittent electrical problems. You never know when/if it's fixed.

Mike

 

[Jason G Slabaugh]

Neutral safety switch