Will turn over, but not start.

Tiny
EMEIER2
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHRYSLER SEBRING
  • 2.5L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
I have the 2000 Chrysler Sebring Txi Convertible (with Limited package), with only 85,000 miles. Always garaged and in excellent condition, I bought it recently and had it checked out and it got gold stars. I have put about 2,000 miles on it with zero issues over the past month, where before it had sat in a garage for about three weeks. I recently moved 800 miles away from where I bought it and I split my drive into 5.5 hours and 8 hours the next day. After driving it for the 5.5 hours straight, it sat overnight and was completely fine to start the next morning. After driving it the 8 hours the next day, and then letting it sit while I got settled in my new place (for about 36 hours), it now will not start. It will turn over, but not go all the way. It did downpour and is more humid here than where I came from, if something isn't sealed all the way could that cause problems? I would like some advice before I jump into an expensive repair as I have limited resources. Does this sound like a fuel pump? Spark plugs? How do I tell if the fuel pump relay is bad without a voltage-meter? Should I just replace the (cheap) fuses and relays and see? Thank you.
Monday, August 31st, 2015 AT 7:37 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,741 POSTS
Don't start replacing fuses in the misguided thought that's going to magically fix something. If a fuse blew, it did that for a reason, and a new one will do the same thing. You'll also remove power momentarily from a number of computers, and they'll lose their memories. That can insert a whole pile of additional, new problems.

The first thing is to listen for the hum of the fuel pump. You should hear that for one second right after turning on the ignition switch. If you do not hear it, try banging on the bottom of the fuel tank. That works better to get a dead pump going if you can do it while a helper is cranking the engine. Chrysler fuel pumps almost always fail by failing to start up. They very rarely fail while you're driving. Some other manufacturer's pumps commonly fail while you're driving so they let you sitting on the side of the highway.

The next thing is to check the diagnostic fault codes. Chrysler makes doing that yourself much easier than any other manufacturer. Cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds without cranking the engine, then watch the code numbers show up in the odometer display. Holler back with those numbers.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
EMEIER2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your quick reply. I did the diagnostic sequence, but nothing showed. When I leave it on run, it doesn't have a check engine light, but the oil light stays on. I got an oil change on Thursday, the day before I left.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,741 POSTS
The next thing is we need to determine if the automatic shutdown, (ASD) relay is turning on. For that you're going to need a test light. An inexpensive digital voltmeter will work too, but a test light works better for this test. Back-probe through the connector for the distributor or any one of the injectors on the black / red wire. You should see voltage there for just one second right after you turn on the ignition switch. What is important is that voltage needs to come back during engine cranking. If it does not, suspect the distributor.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 12:10 PM

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