When I start my truck I always have to turn the key twice and it fires the second time. About every 20 or so times it does nothing. The guy I bought it from has a wire coming off the starter to right by the battery. He said "if it doesn't start, pop the hood and leave the key on and just touch this wire to the + terminal". YIKES. Ok - for the first time last night I had to actuall try this. Of course it worked, but crazy me, I think I'll just FIX IT THE RIGHT WAY.

The starter is new - anybody have any ideas what it might be? I am thinking it might be wiring in the steering column, but not sure.

 

Try replacing the starter contacts first. Cheap $40. They sell heavy duty ones at Larry B's.

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

See my pics for what they look like burnt.

 

If you have a 5 spd, there is a clutch safety switch that can fail. I bypassed mine.

-brina

 

it might be your ignition switch , i had that similar problem on my 90 a long time ago

 

I am thinking at's the starter switch. As I said the starter is new so I doubt that's it. Any good places to get a starter switch?

 

New or not, it can fail. But as was mentioned i would look at the clutch safty switch and ignition switch. If its not a tilt wheel the ignition switch is under the dash. The mounts are slotted and may just need a bit of adjustment. Its controlled by that rod runs down the steering colum. If its starting by jumping the solonoid straight to battery, tell me starters fine.

 

It's either the ignition switch or a flaky starter relay. You can replace them both for under $50.