Engine will not crank

Tiny
ED BARTEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 DODGE RAM
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Engine will not crank. It will crank if I bypass the starter relay but will not run with the key in run position. Ignition switch checks good. It is a 45RFE with an internal neutral switch. I do have power at yellow wire with blue stripe at safety switch connection on the transmission with key on. Need some ideas!
Thursday, October 19th, 2017 AT 1:29 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,138 POSTS
Is the security light flashing when you try to crank it over? If not here is a guide and a diagram to help you test the starter relay and to check for power and ground of the relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Below are a few starter wiring diagrams.

Please run this test and get back to us so we can keep helping you.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, October 20th, 2017 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
ED BARTEE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have replaced the starter relay previous to asking my question. I have the correct power and ground at all points but the engine still will not crank unless I jump from 87 to 30 and it still will not run with key in run position. Now I am thinking PCM may not be letting signal through. Cannot ever remember seeing security light on, flashing or otherwise.
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Friday, October 20th, 2017 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,138 POSTS
85 has power? if so then it is the computer not triggering the relay to close. Can you run the codes to see whats come up?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Cheers, Ken

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Friday, October 20th, 2017 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
ED BARTEE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Decided to let an ignition and wiring guy handle it. I will let you know what happens to maybe benefit someone else. This guy has been in this field for about thirty years. I just did not want to give up but my brain is about fried on this one. Thanks for your help.
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, October 21st, 2017 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
ED BARTEE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ken, I finally got the electrical problem solved! I was going to take it to a friend who does this sort of thing but my stubbornness got me. I figured it was the pcm or the nss but after hrs of process of elimination by. Checking power and ground wiring, I hit it. The engine to body ground was deteriorated so bad it wasn't functional. Grounded the engine and everything is back to normal. Lesson learned! Never overlook the simple things. Thanks for your input. Hope this may help others with this or a similar problem. Ed
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Thursday, October 26th, 2017 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,138 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, October 27th, 2017 AT 11:28 AM

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