Hey I got a 1983 LTD wagon thats getting no power to the starter. I know its not the starter b/c I just put in a new one cause I thought that was the problem...nope. Put in a new selonoid (sp?) and the battery is not dead.
When I turn the key to "start". the radio will turn off and lights in dash kinda dim like it would when you start any car, but noting happens with the starter. just silence.
Need help!
From your description it sounds like the voltage drops a lot when the starter is energized. Not sure how you know that your battery is in good shape (same result when attempting to jump-start, perhaps?). If you are certain that the battery is good, check its connections (positive and ground side; don't forget the connection to the engine block). Loose clamps or corroded cables come to mind.
Check the connections to the starter relay, they should be clean, what is the voltage to starter? Also check resistance to ground from the battery just for good measure, should be none if I remember correctly.
If the ground is good you can try connecting a jumper cable to the positive battery terminal and touching the other end to the starter terminal. If you get a crank check the components between the battery and the starter, i.e., starter relay.
I jump started an old dodge like this before, YMMV. I think it had a bad ballast resistor, I forget.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.