Intermittent starting issue

Tiny
MICHELE HENDERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
About four months ago I went into town and came home no problem. I went out an hour later and nothing. The car would not start. We charged the battery and nothing. We tried several times to start it over the course of five weeks and nothing then one day it started like a dream. Today I went out to warm the car up and nothing again. I have not driven it in two days but before that it was running great. Not sure what to do mechanic says to see if the lights work.
Monday, November 6th, 2017 AT 9:30 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
That is what I was going to ask. "Nothing" does not tell us anything. You need to be specific. Do any dash lights turn on when you turn on the ignition switch? Do you hear a single, barely audible click or a single rather loud clunk when you turn the ignition switch to "crank"? Do the interior lights work?

If everything is not working, start by following the smaller battery positive wire to the under-hood fuse box. Be sure that connection is clean and tight.
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Monday, November 6th, 2017 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
MICHELE HENDERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No lights, no sounds, no interior lights and no head lights. Battery was charged and I drove it around for a week before today. It also has a full tank of gas, so it is not low on fuel.
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Monday, November 6th, 2017 AT 3:07 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Next time this happens, turn on the head light switch so you have something to watch for. Look for where that smaller battery positive wire connects to the fuse box. Wiggle that wire or tighten the nut. If there is a bad connection there, you will see some minor sparking when you wiggle that wire, and the head lights will come on.

Also, follow the smaller battery negative wire to where it bolts to the body. Be sure that connection is tight and not rusty.
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Monday, November 6th, 2017 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
MICHELE HENDERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you, I will try that once it is light outside.
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Tuesday, November 7th, 2017 AT 6:45 AM

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