I took my truck into the dealer. I explained the trunk won't start sometimes, unless I jiggle the column shift in either parking or neutral. They couldn't find anything and suggested replacing the starter at $1600. So I am now living with this problem. It seems worst on cold days and when the gas tank is low. There isn't any sound other than a click sometimes. No cranking, nothing. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

Wow, sorry you didn't stumble across us before you visited the dealer.

If jiggling the shifter seems to fix it, then switch in the transmission that tells it when it's in park or neutral would be the first thing I'd check.


phox

 

Well untill you mentioned the low fuel part I was thinking it was the neutral safety switch but the low fuel I dont understand? $1600 for a starter? Are they pulling the cab to install it? You need to see a different dealer. Check the connections on the starter and batts something may be loose?

 

Battary and terminals are good. Where is the neutral switch located? Thanks.

 

Viv,

Like the others I immediately thought neutral switch, the low fuel doesn't seem to fit in anywhere but the "click" caught my attention.

Might want to look at starter contacts.

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

 

I hope that's a typo... $1,600 for a starter!!!!

 

Tazman, hit it right- starter contacts

 

$1600 is just freakin' robbery. I'd bet starter contacts too. You might want to get at it pretty quick as that click you hear is the shutdown solenoid lifting up. If you hold the key in the start position too long the solenoid gets hot and you'll burn it out. It's a couple $100 to replace for sure. The starter contact fix is pretty easy if you're handy at all.

 

Starter Contacts - had the same thing - sometimes the beast kept running after the key was turned off and removed. Good luck and let us know.

 

1600 bucks!? is he throwing in a few sets of tires too? Just had a new starter put on my truck , 300 bucks installed , and that is CAN $

 

Yeah $1,600 for a starter is nuts!!!!!!! Holy cow! Is it gold plated???