1997 Dodge Intrepid Won't Start

Tiny
SWICK
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE INTREPID
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 208,000 MILES
I have 1997 Dodge Intrepid. Drove it to work yesterday 47 miles, 24 highway and 20 Interstate miles. Went to start it to leave after school and it would turn over but wouldn't start. Never had this problem owned the for about the last 16,000 miles and never had any problems with it. You can't turn the key but it acts like doesn't get fuel to start. Has about 2/3 of a tank of gas and was running fine. Any ideas I have been reading different things about the 3.3 liter enine and most point to either a fuel pump, fuel filter, or some censors. I need to figure it out whether the car is worth fixing or if it would be better to junk it out. Thanks
Friday, January 15th, 2010 AT 9:54 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Welcome to the forum. Your post said you can't turn the key, if that is the case, how do you check anything? If it cranks good, but, won't start, have a helper crank it, while check for spark at the plugs. If that checks out, use a gage and check fuel pressure. Can you check for codes?
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Friday, January 15th, 2010 AT 10:24 AM
Tiny
SWICK
  • MEMBER
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Sorry I didn't type it correctly. I can turn the key but it just cranks and doesn't start.
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Friday, January 15th, 2010 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
With engine cranking, you can test for spark at the plugs by pulling spark plug boot, stick known good plug or spark tester in the boot, ground plug or spark tester to metal part of engine, with engine cranking watch for spark.

Some of the national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage. You can call and ask.

Also, you should be able to get some mil trouble codes by cycling the ignition switch. You turn the key just till the dashlites come on, no further. Cycle the key on--off, on--off, on, then the mil starts flashing, you count the flashes to get the codes. Your looking for two digit codes.
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Friday, January 15th, 2010 AT 11:51 AM

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