I have an intermittant problem on my 96 dodge 2500 diesel automatic. Over the last couple of weeks, when I try to start it, I turn the key and it doesn't click or do anything. Sometimes, placing it in neutral solves the problem and sometimes it doesn't. By moving it up and down in park sometimes makes it able to crank. I have taken it to a local shop and they replaced the neutral safety switch but that doesn't solve the problem. It is currently in the shop but they are telling me they won't be able to fix it if they can't repeat the problem. It has only happened to me about 6 or 7 times but I'm afraid one of these times, it won't start at all.
Thanks,
steve

 

check all simple things first , batt connections clean them ! dont bother looking at them. cables [bat] look at them real close for detrtation replace if in doubt, grounds at ends of batt cable ,lossen up clean area retorq, if all above fails ,ign. switch?

 

Check to find out if they did the ignition/ blower motor rewire recall on this vehicle. The Dealer often has to replace the ignition switch when doing the recall.

here is a link to the info on this Recall

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/875.htm

 

[quote author=Lary Ellis (Top) link=board=13;threadid=19502;start=0#msg183045 date=1063207346]
Check to find out if they did the ignition/ blower motor rewire recall on this vehicle. The Dealer often has to replace the ignition switch when doing the recall.

here is a link to the info on this Recall

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/recalls/875.htm
[/quote]

Thanks, I know this hasn't been done. Are these recalls open ended so I can still take it in or do they expire at some point?
Thanks,
Steve

 

By your description it sounds to me like the neutral saftey switch is out of adj., loose, or just wore out. It's probably located on the steering column, near brake pedal pivot. If you have someone cycle the shifter lever through the gears while your under the dash (engine off & E-brake set) you should be able to locate it. That would be where I would look.

ramguy

 

If the switch has been replaced, check the wiring to it and the connector.