04 Dodge Neon key turns to start position but has no "return spring action" and starter does not engage. I "hotwired" it (started right up) so its not the starter. What returns key to run position?

Car will not start how ? A crank- no - start or a no crank - no - start < meaning when you turn the key to the start position does anything happen ? Starter engages an spins the engine an doesn't start an run ! Or when you turn the key to start the position nothing happens ? Who told you it was a fuse ? Are there any light's lit on the instrument cluster , SECURITY ? If Nothing happens Find the starter relay an jump pin's 30 & 87 , if nothing is wrong with starter , battery , battery cables it should spin the engine . Is your vehicle automatic transmission or stick ? Automatic has a neutral safety switch , won't let vehicle engine spin unless in park or neutral . Manual has clutch switch , won't let starter engage unless the clutch pedal is pressed . Both of these switches can go bad . There are videos on youtube on basic electrical trouble shooting . Also on testing starter circuit . How to voltage drop test starter motor circuit

Need your model and year to help with this problem. Your start return spring is broken. In most designs, the ignition switch includes the return spring for the start position.

First turn of the key energize the car electrical circuits for some circuits radio ets. 2nd turn of the key energize the the starting cycle, when you turn the key to the third spring loaded start mode it completes the circuit to the starter solenoid which engages the starter and start the car, the spring in ignition return the key to ignition on.
Maybe you have a malfunction in the ignition on position. Dont have a large bunch of keys hanging in your ignition, it sings back and forth when the car is in the start mode and cause havoc to your ignition switch.

Well it could be your fuel pump. That is most likely the first thing I would think of. Or it might just be your starter. Oh, since it won't even crank it will most likely be your starter. If its not that check your fuel pump.

you may be right, try a spare key, that will elimanate the key chip, you will need a scan tool to diagnose this problem, also with key in crank position is there power at starter, the scan tool can tell yuo if computer is reading key chip signal and if signal if right and also you can see if starter is receiving start signal, good luck.

ask the car mechanic expert

Check the battery to starter cable and connections (the heavy one). Because the starter sonenoid is engaging but the starter is not.

check the crank position switch

check cables to battery.if battery is 5years or older replace.
a bad ground cable and a weak battery will cause the starter to do as stated.

home made anti theft solution this one ,dated 30 june take it you sorted it out by now