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Posted on Oct 15, 2009
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I have a 1992 Dodge Ram Van 318 ci. It died while driving. No ignition, no check engine light, starter won't crank. Battery is good, cleaned posts, changed ignition switch. Still nothing, any ideas?

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Mike Butler

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  • Dodge Master 6,674 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 22, 2015
Mike Butler
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Be sure to check all Ground connections , and shutdown relay.

danoyachtcap

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  • Dodge Master 2,907 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 22, 2015
danoyachtcap
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This procedure usually works:
·Check the battery cable connections:
Make sure the positive cable, makes a good connection at the battery and at the starter. Make sure the negative cable makes a good ground connection at the battery and (preferably) at the engine.

·Check the battery the simple way, like this:
Turn on the headlights, then try to start the car.If the headlights do not dim or go out, then the battery is likely ok.

·Check the starter and solenoid:
If the wiring looks ok, then look at the starter solenoid for a good connection, and proper voltage at the starter(10 volts minimum while cranking).
If the starter spins and no crank, the problem is most likely the Solenoid's bendix gear is stuck.
Have someone hit (not too hard) the starter while you try to start the car. This usually works by dislodging a stuck bendix gear.
·Make a simple test of the alternator:
If you can, somehow get the engine running, measure the voltage at the battery. It should be at least 13.6 volts to properly charge the battery.

  • danoyachtcap
    danoyachtcap Apr 22, 2015

    Did you have any kind of security light or theft signal? If so that could be the start problem. People who had this usually end up having the dealer re-program the processor.

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Mark Glawdecki

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  • Expert 82 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 18, 2009
Mark Glawdecki
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I had an intermittent starting problem and then a no start situation in a 1991 with the same engine. Changed the pickup inside the distributor. Less than $30.00.

Rich Norman

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  • Dodge Master 502 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 15, 2009
Rich  Norman
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There is a starter solenoid between the battery and the starter. Check that to see if it has gone bad. It will not set a light. you can jumper from the power lead to the starter post to see if it engages. Be sure you are in neutral if this is a standard shift because you will be bypassing the neutral switch. The solenoid is on the firewall or well well depending on your options configuration.

Hope this helps

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My 1990 dodge ram van,318 ci eng.starts only when cold.Starter turns o.k.Runs well whe hot.Paul.

My first car was a 1969 Dodge Coronet station wagon with the 318 cubic inch engine. Loved it!
In my experience, the most common reason for this behavior is a bad crank or cam position sensor (assuming your car has one of those), since they tend to fail hot.
Another possibility is that a dirty or worn ignition switch is supplying power to starter, but not the engine, when it gets warm. Try spraying with WD-40 to see if that helps.
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1994 Dodge Ram Van B250 Check Engine light doesn't come on, van won't crank, won't start....nothing when key is turned on It is not battery......buzzer and such does come on when key is turned on

I know you said it isn't the battery, forgive me, be sure the battery has a full charge and battery connections all good. Use a test lite and follow battery voltage. Battery ground is important also.
The battery voltage may lead to junction block--fusible links--fuse box?
At the fuse-box, pick any component that has a fuse, check fuse circuit for voltage, use a test lite. Some fuses are hot all the time, some go hot with key on, test both ways.
If the starter motor won't crank, check voltage and ground for the starter motor. Usually two voltage circuits at the starter motor, one comes from the battery, hot all the time. The other circuit goes hot with key in the crank position and is probably wired through the clutch or neutral switch then through the starter relay, where applicable, to the starter motor. The starter motor usually grounds through the engine block, so, battery negative connection is important.
Any testing at starter motor, make sure tranny is in park or neutral and functional parking brake is set. Safety is your responsibility. You don't want the vehicle to move during testing.
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2003 dodge grand caravan SE died while driving and now won't start. No lights were lit on dash panel but engine and oil were lit after I tried to start it. stereo was still playing after it died. Tried...

  1. Sounds like the battery may not have enough power in it to start it.
  2. Turn lights on and try starting, if lights go out durin the start the battery may be dead.
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Turns over but won't start

I would start checking fuses for power. It could be a battery cable issue or something in the fuse box. The dash lights would not be powered thru the key switch, but the other stuff would be. Provided the key switch is getting power for accessories.
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1991 dodge ram van wont start

To clarify - the engine cranks then starts.
If it won't crank in any gear, I would check the neutral safety switch first.
You can also jumper the starter solenoid to make sure the starter will crank the engine manually without the circuit from the key switch.
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I have a 1991 dodge ram250 van. When the engine warms up, it dies and the oil light comes on. When I check the oil, it is full. What it is the issue, and how do I correct it?

Anytime and engine dies, or is off, while the ignition key is still in the "run" position then the oil warning light should come on since there isn't any actual oil pressure in an engine that isn't running...so I dont think you have any problems related to that. What you'll need to know to diagnose this problem is if after the engine stalls if it is capable of making spark for the plugs when being cranked over. If it won't produce any spark while cranking then I would suspect the Hall Effect pick-up unit located inside/under the distributor cap as they are somewhat prone to failure and often will quit working when warm but will start working again after they have cooled off a bit. If you have spark when trying to restart the engine then its possible you have a fuel related problem such as a weak or failing fuel pump. Good luck, hope this helps a bit!
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2007 dodge ram gas hemi, intermittent, randomly, the engine will not crank, battery good, starter works great when it does crank. when this happens the check engine light comes on, disconnecting the...

I believe that there is an electronic relay between the ignition switch and the solenoid on the starter that is causing your intermittent starting problem.
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1992 Dodge 250 van, 318, Automatic - Dies when coming to a stop

I cannot see how adding a fuel additive would help to be honest. I would be looking for a split or leaking vacuum line, I have even seen a leaking evap canister before that caused a similar problem. Does the engine pull clean and strong when it is warm or at cruising speeds? Does it feel like its running lean or misfiring?
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