No power going to starter - 1996 Dodge Neon

to get power from the switch to the solenoid you will have to hold the key in the start position as there will be no power in the run position or the starter would be engaged all the time.

Voltage drop? I'm guessing you don't have a voltmeter, so turn on the headlights and observe them as someone tries to start the truck. If the lights go out, bad connection at battery, starter, or ground. If the lights get dim, probably the starter-it's drawing power, just not working. If the lights don't change, check for power going to the starter solenoid on the small wire on the starter; voltmeter or test light, check if the small wire to the solenoid has power when key is held in start position-in crank position. There should be battery voltage there when the key is turned to crank. If so, the starter or solenoid is bad. If no power there to solenoid, power is lost somewhere between ignition switch and the starter wire.

before i can go any further i have seen bad starter kill power to small wire, does not sound correct i know but it happens, remove the small wire from the starter and test it for power with key in the crank position.

if there is power at small wire when removed from starter then starter is bad. let me know the out come. good day

make sure all grounds are clean and area of metal that ground wire's bolt to are clean and rust free if that check's out ok there could be a break in a wire going to the starter and most starter's have two wire's going to them and those both need to have power going to them one drop's off when key is turned to starting mode volt meter work's good for this or test light or the starter could be bad

BATTERY SHOULD HAVE 12.6 VOLTS. IF BATTERY GOOD USE TEST LIGHT SEE IF POWER GOING TO STARTER. IF NO YOU HAVE BLOWN STARTER FUSE BAD RELAY FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH OR BAD BATTERY CABLES.IF POWER GOING TO STARTER THE STARTER SOLENOID FAULTY.COULD HAVE BAD CLUTCH START SWITCH ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS.

TEST POWER LEADS TO STARTER FOR POWER
AT STARTER (BATTERY POSITIVE TO STARTER BATTERY NEGATIVE TO ENGINE BLOCK)
THEN TEST FOR SIGNAL POWER TO SELENOIDE ON STARTER
(KEY TURNED TO START POWER SHOULD GO TO SELENOIDE)
IF NO POWER TO SIGNAL WIRE CHECK FUSES AND RELAYS
ON STARTER CIRCUIT
IF THIS CHECKS OUT MAY BE AUTO TRANSMISSION NUTRAL PARK SWITCH
TRY TO START IN NUTRAL OR WHILE SHIFTING TRUE GEARS SLOWLY WITH SHIFTER
IF STANDARED CHECK NUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH

Starter relay or ignition switch could be bad.

Starter Fuse? Possible failed ignition switch. Loose Cables on battery or starter. Starter not grounding properly. Bad starter Relay? Use Voltmeter check voltage going to main starter wire while someone cranks the motor if not power check power to starter relay while cranking if no power suspect ignition switch.

First test for power at starter,if your getting power to starter then starter is bad, also check the batt cable going to starter at starter for corrsion at terminal,if that cable has power and the small wire gets power when key in the crank spot then starter is no good,

you should check the fender mounted Starter solenoid, and what type of power is going to your starter? constant Battery Power Or Start Power if you have both then you should check your Engine to Chassis ground Strap for a loose connection. Good luck!