Turn key no sound

DZANE

MEMBER
DODGE INTREPID

I have a 1997 dodge intrepid, 3.5 engine, 135,000 miles. I just got, several times when I put the key in and turn it to start it nothing happens, there is no sound, no noise, it just doesnt start. I do this several times and then after about 6 trys it will start. Any idea what could be wrong? Thank you.

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Possible ignition switch, poor connection, starter going bad.

Do you have lights that are bright when it doesn't start?

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Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 AT 3:13 PM

DZANE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for answering my question Paul. Yes when I turn the key I have lights, the radio works, all the lights on the dash come on. How difficult and expensive is it to replace the starter or ignition switch if it were to be one of them?

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Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 AT 7:09 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Well, I would have it diagnosed first. A simple tell-tale test is to hold the key in the crank position, while someones else raps on the starter. If it cranks, you found your ;problem.

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Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 AT 7:45 AM

DZANE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

How would I be able to tell if the problem is the ignition? Sometimes it starts right away and sometimes it does nothing, no noise, but the radio plays etc. I have had someone look at it and they said they don't think it's the starter, they said maybe the ignition or battery, but didnt tell me how I could be sure. I really don't want to start replacing unneeded things.

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Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 AT 12:28 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

To test the ignition switch, you need to remove it and make some continuity checks. This manual will show you the diagrams and the Rand R procedure:
https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm

I doubt the radio would play if the battery was bad.