No spark

Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE NEON
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 151,000 MILES
I have the car listed above SXT model. When I turn the key the starter doesn't engage, no click from starter. I popped the cap off the relay so I could get to the armature and manually press it to engage the starter, when I do this I get no spark to the spark plug. But here's the thing: I can push start it and it will start and run just fine. Not from the key however. Let me add that I do have the gray key and key fob for this car that work and no theft light on the dash is activated.
Saturday, June 13th, 2020 AT 11:46 AM

34 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

When you tried jumping the relay, did you turn the key to on position? That would make sense since it started when pushing it.

I attached a wire diagram for you to view. If you have a test light or volt meter, we can do some checks to find the failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Roy
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Saturday, June 13th, 2020 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
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  • 32 POSTS
Thanks Roy, yes I had the key in the run.
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Saturday, June 13th, 2020 AT 4:50 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Can you verify power to the relay?

With the key on, 1 terminal should have power. Then have someone turn the key to start. You should have a second wire have power as well.

Roy
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Saturday, June 13th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Yes, thanks for your reply to the last question. So yes I have power at number 30 terminal with key in on position and none of the other three terminals have power not even in the start position.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, that power for the relay for start, the yellow wire, comes directly from the ignition switch. You need to test that wire to see if it has power in the start position.

Roy
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Hi Roy and answer to that know that yellow wire does not have power in the start position. But I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe the ignition isn't turning all the way to the start position. It's turning but maybe not turning far enough so.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
So based on what you said right now I'm going to try and take power and send it down that yellow wire and then it should work. I'm going to get power from the battery directly and send it down that wire.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Hi Roy and answer to that know that yellow wire does not have power in the start position. But I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe the ignition isn't turning all the way to the start position it's turning but maybe not turning far enough so
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You can try that but the ECM is what grounds the control side of the relay based on the input from the neutral safety switch.

Roy
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:15 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Thanks for your help here Roy I really appreciate your time. Right into jumping power to the yellow wire did not work. And I'm not sure if I understand you right but this car is stick shift so as far as I know I just have a clutch switch and not a neutral safety switch correct?
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
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  • 32 POSTS
Also you should know that I disconnected the clutch switch under the dash and jumper the wire directly down there to bypass the actual little switch the clutch presses when you have it all the way down.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:35 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Correct on the switch.

When you bypass the switch, is the wire powered at the relay in the start position?

Roy
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
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No it wasn't.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, is the wire powered in the start position with the key in the start position?

Roy
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
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  • 32 POSTS
I'm going to take the jumper out of the clutch waiting just hook it back up the right way.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
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Sorry that was a typo. It was supposed to say "I'm going to take the jumper out of the clutch switch and just hook it back up the right way".
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Check for power to the clutch switch in the start position.

Roy
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, I understand what you mean.

Roy
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:47 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
No, the wire isn't powered in the start position either.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:47 PM
Tiny
GWVANALLEN
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Could this have anything to do with the crank not actually moving and that's why it won't start from the key? But it will start when I push start it.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2020 AT 2:49 PM

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