1993 Dodge Dakota won't start - update!
From
Mike Powell@1:2320/107 to
All on Thu Oct 1 18:01:02 2026
Apparently, in 1993, Dodge switched from electomagnetic relays to the solid-state "cubes" that are in a power distribution box near the battery. That'd explain why I could not find the relays after checking some diagrams online. ;)
After realizing the solid-state cubes were all the same make/model, I rotated them clockwise figuring that if that was the issue, I would see a different issue -- i.e. it would crank but the fuel pump wouldn't work.
No dice. Went back out this morning and switched another relay cube. Also figured out that 3 or 4 of the fuses in that box are also related to either the ignition or the starter. They all looked good at a glance, but I still took them all out, inspected them more carefully, and then reseated them all.
I had pretty much dismissed there being any issue with the battery since the truck had started right up on the first crank earlier that day, and the terminals looked clean. However, just to be thorough, I removed the cable from each terminal and cleaned the terminals (and connectors) with an old toothbrush I keep in the toolbox for such occasions.
One of the things I did this morning worked! I put the key in and said "please, please, please" before cranking it (maybe that was it!). Cranked right over just like it did the other morning.
If I had to guess, either the fine dust that came off of the terminals was the difference... or possibly having the battery disconnected long enough that something reset.
Mike
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