Car was broken into and now key turns freely, no crank no start

SAUL OROZCO

MEMBER
2007 CHRYSLER 300
2.7L
V6
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I obtained the car listed above because I was owed money. When the car showed up, it was being towed which was funny to me because the guy said It was working fine, I had my suspicions and looked around and found out that the car was broken into and I believe it was it and he tried to steal the car but we’re unsuccessful. When I put the key into the ignition it turns freely. The ACC lights turn on but no crank no start. What could be the problem/problems?

Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Does the theft light turn off when you turn the key to the on position? If not, we need to check for codes because I suspect the engine is disabled due to an active theft event.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

If the theft light goes off then we need to go to the starter and see what voltage we have on both connections while cranking. Let me know what you find with this and we can go from there. Thanks

Image (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 8:31 AM

SAUL OROZCO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The light does turn on but I just realized that I do not have to put in the key in order for the ignition to be in the "on" position. It’s basically stuck on "on" position without me inserting the key. But no crank. I can’t be it’s on "on" position.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 9:09 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay. If this is stuck then it will need to be replaced and then we can test the system. This is called a WIN wireless ignition node, and basically just get the code from the key and if it matches that in the system it tells the PCM to start the vehicle. If it doesn't move then there is no repairing them.

Images (Click to make bigger)