Have 1995 Dakota that will not start even with battery charger on. The starter will not engage.

allen95

I have put a new battery in just 3 weeks ago went to start it this morning nothing. Was fine last night started fine, put charger on lights came on but still would not engage starter. also new starter about 2 months age

Mr_Shiftright

Did you try starting in neutral, if this is an automatic--you might have a bad, or loose, neutral safety switch. Jiggle the gearshift around when you try to start.

If it's a manual transmission check the clutch pedal switch.

Also, check the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid--sometimes the push-on connector gets loose, or corroded.

allen95

thank you Mr_Shiftright will try

Mr_Shiftright

good luck with it. If you come up empty, get a test light and see if you get power to the starter solenoid when you (or someone) turns the key. If there's no signal then something is interrupting the current flow due to either a short, a bad switch or some kind of voltage drop.