Engine doesn't crank

ALLEN_KETTNER

MEMBER
1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

I have a 96 chrys. Sebring convertable. 2.5 engine. I installed a new alternator and now when I turn the key my dash lights do not come on and the starter does not engage. What could be wrong? The car always started before this. We checked the fuses and didn't find anything blown. I really need help on this, this is my only vehicle.

Saturday, December 25th, 2010 AT 4:27 PM

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Make sure the battery has a full charge. If you use a meter across the battery posts, the generic spec for a full charge is around 12.6 volts. All battery connections, coming and going, make sure clean and tight on both ends. If nothing works that uses ignition voltage/key on, check the feed to and from the ignition switch.

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Saturday, December 25th, 2010 AT 6:12 PM

ALLEN_KETTNER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

My interior lights work, head lights work, It's like no juice to starter, could I have a bad relay somewhere? Or could there be something else?

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Saturday, December 25th, 2010 AT 6:16 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Did you try cranking in neutral? Use a digital multimeter for testing for voltage. In the diagram for the starter relay, red wire terminal is hot all the time. Yellow wire terminal goes hot with key in the crank position for coil side of relay. The bottom wire left is ground for the coil side of relay, grounds through the neutral switch. When the relay is energized, that arm on the right with the arrowhead, moves to the red wire terminal. Bottom wire on right carries voltage to starter connection. Any testing at the relay, make sure the tranny is in park or neutral and the e-brake is set.

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