2001 Dodge Cummins won't turn over

[Ted Stryker]

Everything has been fine until all the sudden one morning the engine won't roll over, like the starter isn't getting power.... Batteries are fully good and I've got full power everywhere else, but when I turn the key absolutely nothing happens - not even a click... I can't find any blown fuses and I've tried a new starter relay in the fuse box to no avail... Any ideas..? Thanks...

[Scott in MN]

Some vehicles use a fusible link that is part of the wiring harness, don't know if Dodge is one but I remember having to solder new fusible links on some GM's down by the starter.

[Ted Stryker]

Still at it with this truck... Took the starter off and had it tested, and it's fine according to the starter shop... I put it back on and tested voltage at the starter when the key is turned, and it's getting no power to it when the key turns... I've tested every relay in the relay box that could have anything to do with it, and they're fine... Like all late model manual trans vehicles, it designed to not start if the clutch isn't pressed in, could there be a problem with that safety function lying to the ignition system..? This isn't fun anymore....

[ddipert]

I don't know how dodge sets up there starters and relays...
Do you get voltage to the low amp side of the relay with the key turned to start?

If not then you might be on to something here, with the clutch safety switch. Safety switch should be an easy 2 wire setup. Bypass it to test it out if needed but replace it if bad.

[Dave Strong]

If it has tilt steering there is a good chance the wires from the ign switch are broken under the lower part of the column cover. Sometimes moving tilt around will get it going but not all the time.


Dave

[njj502]

could be the clutch switch or a lot more. im not familiar with the cummins stuff. Id bet if you search some truck forums you find the answer!

[got the itch]

If it has tilt steering there is a good chance the wires from the ign switch are broken under the lower part of the column cover. Sometimes moving tilt around will get it going but not all the time.


Dave

I had a chevy that did that.

[Ted Stryker]

Tomorrow I'll check the starter again... When the starter repair shop jumped power to it and made it run, I'm not sure if they went through the solenoid or straight to the motor so I'll try to check the solenoid to know for sure... I'm also gonna try to jump the clutch safety switch and see where it takes me, and if no avail then I will definitey look into broken steering column wires... Thanks..

[STV_Keith]

When you turn the key to the start position, does the radio go off? If not, I'd guess keyswitch. If it does go off, then I'd guess clutch switch. Look under the dash to the clutch pedal where it connects to the clutch master rod. Around the rod where it goes through the firewall is the switch. The two black wires go to a green plug with two wires (yellow and yellow/red) on the other side. Unplug the plug and jumper the yellow to the yellow/red. That will bypass the switch.

[Ted Stryker]

STV Keith. I'll be looking as those suggestions in a few hours when the wifey gets home to watch the kids... Thanks...

[speedinstream]

When you turn the key to the start position, does the radio go off? If not, I'd guess keyswitch. If it does go off, then I'd guess clutch switch. Look under the dash to the clutch pedal where it connects to the clutch master rod. Around the rod where it goes through the firewall is the switch. The two black wires go to a green plug with two wires (yellow and yellow/red) on the other side. Unplug the plug and jumper the yellow to the yellow/red. That will bypass the switch.

agree 100% give it a shot my guess is the clutch safty switch

[Ted Stryker]

I bypassed the clutch safety switch connector, and the ol' inline busted off with about 1/2 a rotation... I'll get another safety switch soon and put in on, but I'm just glad to be back in my regualr truch for now... I'm relieved, thanks for everything guys....