WHAT COULD KEEP POWER FROM GETTING TO THE FUEL PUMP ON A 1996 DODGE RAM 1500?

I would backpin the fuel pump connector to verify voltage to pump. This is a fairly simple procedure to verify voltage is getting to fuel pump.

Remember, the fuel pump will only get power for 5 seconds or so when the engine is not running. Set up your voltmeter and have someone turn the key on. See if you have voltage for a few seconds. Also, check the impact switch (see owners manual) to see if it has been tripped or is defective. Good Luck!

where is the impact switch located? I actually did have an accident and was having the truck painted and as he was putting it back together it stopped starting. It cranked up the whole time it was being worked on until then.

Ah, further research indicates only an automatic shutdown relay which is controled from pin #51 on the PCM. It is located in the power distribution box under the hood. The location is shown on the underside of the box cover. Good Luck!