2000 dodge dakotacha 3.9l trys to start with no key in it but will start with key in it. changed switch and relay no change power still going to solonoid ?

have you checked the ignition switch thats on the steering column shaft, when you turn the key it moves a rod that moves positions on the switch.

Contact your dealer dodged can make keys off the vin # back to 2000

this sounds like the metal rod connecting the key switch to the ignition
switch below. It only connects when the key switch is rotated so that the rod is fully seated. Lots of work but have to pull steering wheel and redo installation of rod.
good luck and enjoy tour suburban!!!

First of all before you spend a lot of money with computer mechanic or personal machanics
try a little trouble shooting yourself. My sons neon would not start it started out as beinging a intermittent problem 1. It had a very old battery we replaced it seemed like this sovled the problem it started and ran for a couple of weeks, then same problem. This seemed like it may be a wiring or inition problem, jumped from the + batt. to the starter relay coil w/ key turned on it started every time was thinking it was the inition. Tried one more thing switched A/C relay w/starting relay in engine compartment fuse box. wa la no money for the greedy mechanic.

need to check immobilizer unit device that will open the supply power to relay and start engine check up all circuit line who involves key switch and device

before you change the switch try any spare keys you might have and wiggle the steering while trying to turn the key

This sounds like a classic bad connection either at the battery or engine ground. Check and recheck all your connections and be sure they are clean and tight.

make sure that your battery is good, put a multimeter on it, make sure you have over 12 volts on it and start it and see where the voltage drops to. If it drops below 11 volts, you have a weak battery, It should actually never drop below 12, If good, check your relay for the fuel pump. There are several that are the same in the relay panel. Driver side in engine compartment. Swap relay with another and start.

I dont remember but sounds like you are having a problem with a netural safety switch it's located on the top of the transmission it should have several wires going to it,probably 4 to 6 wires.Just a thought.I could be wrong.but it's free hope you can use this.

Your problem may be a ignition switch.  This part is inside the steering column.  Your ignition key/tumbler turns this piece to start the vehicle.  I see a lot of these that go bad.  Some are easy and some aren't.  Your Chilton should tell you how to change them.