Will not start

Tiny
DIESELCHICK86
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.6L
  • 170,000 MILES
It was fine that morning. Acted like a drained battery. Didn't have power. Got a jump and it started right up. Drove it a good distance and got back home. Turned it off and it wouldn't start again. Figured it had a bad cell in the battery. Got a new battery. Charged it until full. Go to start it and just one click. I put my hand on the fuse panel and all the relays are clicking a few times. Please help.
Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 8:53 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

First, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. The starter places a heavy load on it. If the connection is weak, it will do this. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Next, follow the ground wire from the battery. It will mount to the engine on the upper side of the engine (driver's side). Make sure that is clean and tight.

If that is good, we need to confirm the starter isn't bad. Here is a link that explains how to check it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

This seems like a lot, but it goes fast. Do these things and let me know what you find. Also, let me know where the click is coming from. For example, is it only from the power distribution box or do you hear it at the starter motor as well.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
DIESELCHICK86
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I have already checked the battery connection and the charge on the battery. I have checked every wire around that I could access even cleaned the positive going to the fuse panel. I can hear the starter click. I have felt the engine try to move but it doesn't. I have checked every fuse. The starter works just fine if I jump the car. It's not the starter. The alternator is working properly. I have tried a different key to check the security system. It was working fine and just stopped.
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 10:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If you hear the starter click, it starts with being jumped but only clicks without being jumped and the battery is good, have you checked the ground I mentioned? Also, when you jump start it, where are you attaching the ground on your vehicle?

Let me know.
Joe
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
DIESELCHICK86
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I attach it to my battery. I am going to check the ground today.
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Sunday, December 13th, 2020 AT 6:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That is the only other thing that is making sense to me at this point. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, December 13th, 2020 AT 10:15 PM

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