Two problems related to starter have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Dodge 1996 2500 cummins diesel - VIN - 1b7kf23cxtj127118. Started truck, starter remained engaged, turned key off, starter remained on and engine running, smoke rose from the engine compartment, only way engine could be stopped was to disconnect the batteries. By the time batteries were disconnected, the starter, fuel shutdown solenoid, some wiring were burnt up, had to be replaced. Luckily electrical fire went out before igniting diesel fuel.
Starter came on while driving vehicle at 40 mph. I parked vehicle and turned off the ignition switch and removed the key, and starter kept running. Smoke was coming from under the hood from the battery cables. I disconnected the batteries and the starter stopped. The dealer said the recall for the ignition switch wiring had nothing to do with the starter. I believe there was a short in the ignition wiring that caused the starter to come on. I can not imagine how a starter solenoid could get powered without turning the ignition switch or a short.