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2000 Ram Van 3500 Ignition Problem


looney tunes
09-04-2007, 08:37 PM
My problem seems identical to the one posted recently but is a 2000 and not a 1984 van.

The car either is perfect or will not turn over at all. All other indicator lights/radio function perfectly.

Suspected starter relay so swapped relays in the relay box in engine compartment to no avail. Starter has been replaced but all leads secure. Thought maybe a shift rod issue not registering in park but unconfirmed.

Any suggestions. Usually if it acts up, an hour or so later it will start right up. It has now been several days and I can't even get a relay click????

Thankis

alloro
09-05-2007, 09:08 AM
I would investigate the neutral safety switch.

taillight
09-05-2007, 09:24 AM
Do you have any type of security system ?

looney tunes
09-05-2007, 12:45 PM
I am not familiar with a neutral safety switch. Is it related to the shift mechanism? or where would I start the search. Thanks

looney tunes
09-05-2007, 12:47 PM
I am not familar with a security system unless it is inherent in the vehicle but thats a great idea as it is consistent with a different vehichle security system.

alloro
09-05-2007, 01:22 PM
The neutral safety switch screws right into the tranny on the front passenger side and has a 3-wire connector. It's function is to prevent the starter from engaging if your shifter is in anything but park or neutral. If this switch is malfunctioning the starter won't engage regardless of which gear you're in.

alloro
09-05-2007, 01:26 PM
Procedure to test the switch:

1. Disconnect the wiring connector at the switch.

2. With an ohmmeter, check for continuity between the center terminal and ground on the transmission case. Continuity should exist only in PARK and NEUTRAL.

3. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

4. Check for continuity across the two outer terminals. It should exist only when the transmission is in REVERSE.

5. If the switch does not conform to these specifications, check gearshift linkage adjustment to ensure that the switch operating fingers are correctly positioned.

looney tunes
09-05-2007, 03:20 PM
Thanks for that in depth synopsis and procedure. You clearly have extensive knowledge in this arena.

I will check as soon as possible and send a response with my findings.

Thanks again.

looney tunes
09-07-2007, 09:10 AM
Well, Unfortunately it appears that the neutral safety switch is working as advertised. Still no power to the starter and no relay clicks. Any other suggestions?

Again, in the past when this occured, it usually corrected itself over time and would start normally and strong. Now, nothing. Whatever failed intermittently has apparently died completely.

alloro
09-07-2007, 10:08 AM
Connect a voltmeter to the yellow/red wire that goes to the starter relay and the other lead to ground. You can unplug the relay to touch the plug's terminals if that makes it easier. Once connected, turn the key to the start position. If you do not get 12 volts, you have a break in the wiring from there back to the ignition switch, or the switch itself is bad. Assuming that you had 12 volts going to the switch in the first place.

If you did get 12 volts, connect an ohmmeter from the black (or black/white) wire of the relay's plug and the other lead to ground. You should get zero (or close to zero) ohms. If you do not, the problem is a break in the wiring between there and the neutral safety switch.

If the wiring checks out, then the relay itself is no good.

taillight
09-07-2007, 10:13 AM
Have you checked the battery cables for corrosion and tight ? Most vehicles today have a security system in the key. Look in your owners manual for instructions on how to reset the security system.

looney tunes
09-10-2007, 01:50 PM
Decided to start from scratch. Pulled the starter and had it checked. Pulled both battery cables off and cleaned mating surfaces on cables and block/starter. Replaced crimped connection to 12V starter wire with soldered connection/heat shrink. Replaced battery.

Result was normal start. Don't know where the problem was and suspect a connection even though there was no apparent corrosion. Doesn't matter now usless the problem resurfaces.

Thanks for all the help from everyone and your inputs to possilbe problems and corrective action/procedures.

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