1988 Dodge Dynasty Intermittent Starting Problem

Tiny
MATTCRSSNGR
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 DODGE DYNASTY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Background info:
About 2 months ago all of the electronics stopped working and the car died while driving, this was an alternator issue and I had it replaced which resolved that problem.

A few weeks later I was driving the car, stopped at a resturant, came back an hour or so later and the car would not start. It would make a clicking noise. All of the electronics worked (headlights, radio, brake lights). I had it towed to a machanic who said they couldn't find anything wrong with it, at that time it was starting fine, they said the battery was good they charged and cleaned it and so was the alternator, and starter. They said when it happens again, tap the starter with a hammer to see if thats the culprit or have it towed back so they can have another look at it.

Now a month later on my way to work the "check gages" light turns on. So once I get to work I turn the car off, then try and start it again and hear a click noise then hear nothing and it won't start. I come back 2 1/2 hours later and it starts up fine, I try and start it another 2 hours later and it starts up. Any idea of what might be going on?
Friday, December 4th, 2009 AT 1:28 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,754 POSTS
REAL common problem if the clicking you're referring to is a single loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank". That's caused by worn contacts in the starter solenoid. They can be replaced for 20 bucks, but most people just replace the entire starter. Until you get it replaced, just keep cycling the switch to "crank" until it starts. Eventually it will crank, but the problem will get progressively worse.

Caradiodoc
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Sunday, December 27th, 2009 AT 2:02 AM

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