My '96 CTD failed to start last week with the starter doing absolutely nothing not even a click. It's acting as if it's in gear (automatic) I replaced that starter about 3 month prior so assumed that the new (rebuilt) starter was defective and replaced it again still nothing. Just for grins, I jumped the solinoid lead directly tot he battery and bam, cranked right up. Installed a wire from the solinoid up to the battery for a temporary fix but I'm unable to locate the problem. The ignition switch seems to be working as the gauges and radio loose power when the switch is turned to start. I swapped the starter realy for another one in the fuse block with no effect. The starter relay doesn't click at all. I've read numerous posts about a starter 20 amp fuse but have not been able to locate it. Is that the relay everyone is referring to? Are there other switches I should check like one to detect it being in gear or the engine already running?
thanks

 

Fairly common for wires or connectors to get pulled apart under the steering wheel cowl due to DC skimping on wire length.

 

So wiggle the connections and try and start it between each one? Are there any sensors/ switches I should check also?

 

Just remove the cowl and look.
Two torx screws from underneath, sorry don't know the size.
This problem is most common for people who tilt their steering wheel often.

 

Removed the cowl today (T15 BTW) and everything looks tight. I tried starting the truck while wiggling every wire and got nothing. I did notice that the ABS light would come on for 5 seconds every time I tried to start it so I assume something was getting power. What's the next thing to check? I'm about to go down to Autozone and pick up a switch and just install a start button...

 

Look in the PDC under the hood for the starter solenoid fuse. It will be a 20 amp, change it to a 25 amp and see if it works.
Mine died without notice.
There is a 30 amp relay kit available from Dodge, but I am sure that this was a limited 2000 model year problem.

 

OK I have the fuse box cover from under the hood in my hand (which I assume is the PDC) and there is no starter solenoid fuse. There's a starter relay and a bunch of other relays, three regular tab fuses (fog lamp,horn and hazard with the horn being the only 20 amp) and the big box looking fuses. Now there is a 20 amp fuseable link which I think is the starter that I bypassed with out any success.

 

Trace the wire from the starter to the PDC. There is a problem in that connection.
You can rule out the ignition switch and Neutral Safety switch, because the truck starts with the ignition switch in the Run position.

Update your UserCP with your location and maybe someone can come by and lend a hand....

 

have someone hit the key while you are underneath with a test light or voltmeter on the thin wire to the starter. I you have juice there, it's the starter. if not, you can work your way back to the relay and keyswitch segment by segment till you get power.

 

I'm starting the truck via an additional wire installed to the starter solinoid to the positive battery terminal now so the starter is fine. I just jumped the park/neutral backup switch in the transmission and my back up beeper works just fine but couldn't get it to crank. The ignition switch cuts power to the radio and gauges just fine. Would this mean it's sending power to the starter relay ok too? Is there another switch sensor to detect the engine already running I should check? This is really turning into a PITA...

 

I know this is a clean site but imagine hitting your thumb with a hammer, cussing a bit, and then smacking it again in the same place, those are the words I'd like to use!!! The PO had a kill switch under the dash!!! I was about to install a auxillary start switch so I dropped the panel under the steering column, hmmm, what's this toggle switch do, I wonder. Click tot the right and tried the starter, nothing. double click to the left hit the starter and she screamed to life. Son of a ...
Thanks for everyone's help and Bless PO's everywhere, one and all...

 

For what its worth mine did the same thing, found the small wire to the solinoid was broken at the connector but was not seperated. To the eye it looked good, check it out anyway.