Check engine light does not turn on with key in accessories position

Possible bad contacts in bulb holder or ripped copper dash contact where bulb holder screws in also check for bad solder joints in cluster or contact in harness plugs for cluster//////do a ecm self test (a) just turn the key to the on position all dash lights including check engine should be on then go off except for oil battery/charging if you see your check engine abs at first then they go off this is normal and ok if not look for bad connection coming into the cab from the firewall harness bus connector this comes from the ecm

Step 1: Check for the anti-theft light. It's located on your dash and will have a blue or red light.
Step 2: Turn the ignition to the "on" position. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position, which activates your accessories but not the engine.
Leave the key in position for about 10 - 15 minutes.
Step 3: Check the anti-theft light again. If it's no longer blinking, turn the key back to the Off position and allow it to set for a minute or two.
This gives the system time to reset or you won't be able to start your car.
Step 4: Start the engine. Attempt to start your engine.
If it still won't start, check to make sure the battery hasn't been drained.
Step 5: Repeat the process. Try the process over again to see if it will work.
Check your key fob battery. A car's anti-theft system may activate if your key fob battery is dead and hasn't disabled the system.
Make sure the battery is installed correctly in your key fob. If the battery is correctly installed, replace it with a fresh battery

Your car has several different ignition positions. They each offer slightly different functionality.
Off: In this position, the engine is off, and so are your electronic accessories (unless the delay has not expired yet). You can still turn on lights (headlights, interior lights, etc.).
ACC: This is the accessory position. Turn the key to ACC if you want to listen to the radio, play a CD or use other accessories without cranking the engine.
On: In this position, all of the electronics should come on. This is also the position that the key will return to after cranking the engine.
Start: Turn the key to this position to crank the engine. Let go of the key when the engine is running and the key will return to the on position.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/ignition_switch_positions.jpg

I use to own a car that had an ignition that was ACC - OFF - ON - START.

Try turning your ignition one position clockwise and see if the radio turns off and the key comes out.

https://hackadaycom.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/ignition.jpg?w=450&h=338

First thing i would do is check and see if you have a blown fuse ?

check for a little hole under the steering column. If there is one,stick a small screw driver into it and push. That should over ride the system and you should be able to turn the key to the lock position.a pen or pencil might work as well?

does the "service engine soon" light come on when you turn the key to "acc" position?? not start position, only accessories where the dash board lights up?? let me know if the light turns on.

fuss ok? how about fuse link ?any light in cluster? when you turn ignition key to ''on'' position your dash lights should come on like engine , air bag , brake, etc and should turn off in few seconds if they dont come on, check the fuse panel for blown fusses. also check them for power with key on most of them should have power except a few that only power up when the engine cranks or runs. the fuss links are special pieces of cable that feed the susses they're designed to break when overheated and are on the positive battery cable in the starter side end . if the lights in the dash work as noted the security system may be active .

To beat security problems that turn off the starter, check out this link. http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Check your ignition switch (located on the steering column under the dash) If this is working, you will hear an electronic switch click when you turn the key on - if you do hear it then replace your starter

I have a '99 dodge dakota, 4 cyl, 5 speed manual. While researching a no start problem ran across possible solution to this problem. If no guage lights show when key truned to on position then normally a bad ignition switch. With fully charged battery and working ignition switch guage lights should slight up then go out when ignition in "on" position. Try shaking the key back and forth.


Dave