Starter or electrical problems

HSUMNERS

MEMBER
2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
81,640 MILES

I am having problems with starting. All the lights and everything comes on when I put the key in and turn to start, but it does not start. Usually after three to four attempts it will start. (It has a new battery and I have had it in the dealership recently to repair another problem, they suggested a new key. I am using the new key which is about two months old now, this seemed to work at first, but now it is happening more frequently) Any suggestions?

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,741 POSTS

What are the symptoms when it does not start? Does the starter spin the engine? Do you just hear a single kind of loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank" but it does not spin the engine? No sounds at all then you turn the ignition switch? What happens to the brightness of the headlights if they are on when this problem occurs?

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Monday, June 27th, 2011 AT 5:37 PM

HSUMNERS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

All of the interior lights and dash lights come on as usual but when I turn to crank it makes a clicking noise. From prior experience with an almost drained battery it kind of sounds like that when you try to crank, but the battery is only two months old install at dealership. Normally three tries then it starts. But, lately I will take the key out and reinsert and it works on first or second try. This is not happening every time I start the van, random.

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Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 AT 5:13 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,884 POSTS

Hey, HSUMNERS

If you are hearing one single kind of loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank", that is due to worn solenoid contacts inside the starter motor. That is a very common problem with the little silver Nippondenso starters.

Those contacts can be replaced for $20.00, but most people just replace the entire starter. This problem always starts out being intermittent and will get worse over the next weeks and months.

Here is a guide that will show you what you are in for when replacing the starter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Below are some diagrams that will show you what it will look like on your car.

Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken

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