1996 Chrysler Cirrus no start

MBEAVY

MEMBER
1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS
2.5L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Hello. I;m having a problem figuring out why my car won't start. When I turn the key it immediately pops the ign/starter/fuel pump fuse. It's a 20 amp fuse under the hood. When I put in another it immediately blows. I know you're not sposed to, but I put in a 30 amp fuse and it worked for a day. The car popped right off. I cleaned all the connections to my starter and replaced the starter relay switch. Then I put the 20 amp fuse back in and everything seemed fine. Til today. I drove to work and home just fine. Then I went to Menard's and when I tried to start it I popped the fuse. I put in another and pop. Then I put in the 30 amp and nothing. It doesn't pop the fuse, but it won't turn my starter either. Would the problem be the ignition switch? I think that would be it, but would like to know before I go and put in a new one. Any advice?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

I don't think it's the switch. Chances are you have a short going to one of the components that you described. Since the starter does nothing now, that is where I would start. On the starter you will see a large wire and a smaller one. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire. There should be 12v. Let me know what you find.

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Monday, September 15th, 2014 AT 6:31 PM

MBEAVY

MEMBER
12 POSTS

I didn't have a volt meter, so I took the starter out and had it tested. They said it was fine, so I re-assembled everything, cleaning all the leads as best I could, and it started right up. Now I know it seems fine right now, but I'm afraid it's going to happen to me, or worse, my wife, sometime in the near future. How do I locate what was shorting out the system in the first place?

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 AT 4:32 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

My guess is there was a weak or corroded connection that you cleaned when you removed it. When it was rebolted, a good connection was made.

If that isn't what has happened, then there is something either stopping the power from getting to the starter (that is why I suggested checking for power) or the solenoid on the starter is working on and off. The starter is basically an electric motor. Many things can go bad in it and cause problems one minute and not the next. If it happens again, we need to check for power to it. If there is power and it doesn't work, the starter needs replaced. If there is no power, we need to start tracing wires.

As long as it is working, you won't be able to find an electrical issue. When the problem pops up again, that is when you have to check.

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 AT 5:45 PM

MBEAVY