1999 Dodge Ram 99 1500 5 9l Went Out Start Starter Won T Turn Over

1999 DODGE RAM
135 MILES
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WILLIAMROGERS
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I have a 99 dodge ram 1500 with a 5.9l. I went out to start it, and the starter won't turn over. All fuses aand relays are good. If I turn key to on position, and jump from the solenoid the starter turns but the gear doesn't engage. I'm stumped.
Aug 9, 2012 at 12:06 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Are you jumping the two terminals together right on the starter? What exactly do you hear when you try to crank it from the ignition switch?
Aug 9, 2012 at 12:14 AM
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WILLIAMROGERS
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Yes I am. The red one coming from the battery hot to the one coming out of the starter to another wire with a rubber cap on it. There's a small black, or dark brown wire connected with a plug as well, but I'm not sure what that one is.
Aug 9, 2012 at 12:24 AM
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CARADIODOC
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OHHH! You're jumping the solenoid contacts. That's what the solenoid does internally after it engages the flywheel. You're actually bypassing the solenoid that way so it isn't going to engage; just the starter motor will spin, and your jumper wire is going to have to pass about 100 amps. If you want to jump it that way, you have to jump from the large battery terminal to that brown wire right next to it. That will activate the solenoid to make it mechanically engage the flywheel teeth, then the movable plunger will switch the high-current contacts to activate the motor. The engine will crank that way.

A much easier way is to bypass the starter relay, either by jumping terminals 30 and 87 together or by removing its cover, reinstalling it that way, and squeezing the movable contact.
Aug 9, 2012 at 12:36 AM
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WILLIAMROGERS
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Oh. Ok. Thank you for clearing that up for me. So does that mean the solenoid is bad? Because i switched it out with another one, and that didn't fix it. Do you know what else causes this problem. I just put a new stater on it today, but that apparently wasn't the problem.
Aug 9, 2012 at 12:44 AM
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CARADIODOC
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What exactly is it doing? This page might help:

http://randysrepairshop.net/chrysler-1960---1980s-rwd-operation.html

The entire system can be broken down into three circuits; the low-current ignition switch circuit, the medium-current solenoid circuit, and the high-current starter circuit. If you bypass the starter relay and the starter cranks the engine, that proves the medium and high-current circuits are working and the problem is in the low-current circuit which includes the neutral safety switch.
Aug 9, 2012 at 12:54 AM
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WILLIAMROGERS
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That was my next guess. I'll try jumping the solenoid as you said to see if that works. I appreciate your help, and if I need anything else. You'll bee the one i talk to.
Aug 9, 2012 at 12:58 AM
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WILLIAMROGERS
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I jumped the relay, and it started. Thank you for helping out with your advice. If I can. I'll get a donation sent.
Aug 9, 2012 at 1:49 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Thanks, but we haven't solved the problem yet. Did you do the tests on the bottom of the Nippendenso starter test page?
Aug 9, 2012 at 5:34 PM
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WILLIAMROGERS
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The nipple what page?
Aug 9, 2012 at 6:25 PM
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CARADIODOC
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http://randysrepairshop.net/chrysler-1960---1980s-rwd-system-tests.html

Last section, "Quick Tests at the Relay".
Aug 9, 2012 at 6:39 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.