How to bypass starter relay?

JAMES BASQUE

MEMBER
2005 DODGE CARAVAN
3.3L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

So this problem started when I went out to start my van. Went out and turned the key nothing. Tested battery and it is fine. Turned the key to run, put it in neutral and took a wire and jumped pin 87 and 30 on the starter relay. Now it cranks strong, but still wont start. I honestly dont care if I have to jump the relay everytime I start it. I dont use this van enough to have it crank with the key. I just need it to start

Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 1:02 PM

9 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This could be a problem with the starter or the wiring going to the starter itself. Below I have included a link for you. They are troubleshooting guides for you to go through.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Also I have included in the diagrams down below a step by step troubleshooting flowchart from the manufacturer on your vehicle for it's problem. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 2:01 PM

JAMES BASQUE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

It's getting fuel. I forgot to mention I already checked for pressure and it has tons. Has spark as well as did a compression test.

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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 2:04 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

Okay, so you have fuel, spark, and compression? If you have all three there should be no reason why it would not start. Have you checked to make sure the timing chain didn't jump time or a tensioner didn't give way?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 6:15 PM

JAMES BASQUE

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5 POSTS

It didn't jump timing I know that. Code reader showing no faults for sensors at all.

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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 6:17 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

Okay, did you happen to get a chance to go through the factory troubleshooting flowchart that I sent a couple of messages ago? I think that will zero in on what the issue is. Please go through it and let me know what you find out and we can go from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 7:41 PM

JAMES BASQUE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Yes, I had a chance to look at it. What I am doing is taking the starter motor relay completely out and using a wire to jump 30 and 87 together. That will crank. But still no start. Do I need that starter motor relay in for it to actually start?

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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 7:51 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

A relay is nothing more than a switch. Electricity is supplied to the control side of a relay, energizing an electromagnet. The electromagnet then pulls the switch closed on the power side completing the intended circuit. In this case the intended circuit is to supply power to the starter. I have included diagrams for the relay in the diagrams down below.

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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 9:33 PM

ROCK VONHELSTARR

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1 POST

I have had this happen. Before you jump the relay make sure your key is in the ignition and in the run position then jump relay. Vehicle should start like normal.

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Monday, March 22nd, 2021 AT 11:52 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Thank you for posting that info. That is a common mistake people make when jumping the relay so thanks for adding that.

Please come back to 2CarPros and let us know if you need help with anything as well. Thanks

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Friday, March 26th, 2021 AT 1:22 PM