I have a 1994 dakota 52 .wont start when cold outside.you go to start it in the morning turn the ignition on to start it you get nothing .it acts like a dead short .turn the key a couple of more times then the starter will engage.car will start normal after that with no problems all day long only early morning cold temp 20 degres out or less

I would use a test light and check for power from the ignition switch to the relay then check then check the relay. Then I would check the solenoid and starter. A battery going bad can cause this. If the battery is good I would suspect the relay. I just use a 12 volt test light as somebody turns the ignition on it should light if on the discharge side of the relay.