the engine won't start up?

1997 DODGE AVENGER
102,000 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PIPKINTM
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I had my car towed to Firestone on the 24th of December because it just died while driving in a parking lot(check engine light was on). They first told me they needed to do a diagnostic check and then they called me and told me I needed a new battery to complete the diagnostic check.(no indications battery was bad and it was jumped and fully charged before towing). They then proceeded to tell me the car needed gas to start it and that didnt work. So they said they need to run some more tests to figure out what the problem was. So then they tell me I need a new fuel pump. I get a call from them stating they ordered the wrong fuel pump so my car would not be fixed unitl the 26th due to the Holidays. They replaced the fuel pump and now as of the 13 the car died again in a strip center and wont start so I had it towed back to the shop. They ran another diagnostic test and said my distributor went out and it was going to cost me 504.00 for the part and 60/hr for labor. I went online to Advanced Auto parts and the part ranges from 200 and up. I am not sure what to do at this point because I can't afford to fix it and I really think they are scamming me. Wouldnt they had know the distributor was going out when they ran the test the first time? Especially since the check engine light was on.
Jan 15, 2014 at 8:25 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the check engine light was on, they should have been able to check for trouble codes. But i sounds like the ASD relay might be bad but to be sure lets run down these guides. When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
Jan 15, 2014 at 8:35 AM
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HIGGY31
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Electrical problem
1996 Dodge Avenger 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 150+ miles

just recently spent a ton of money getting a new distrubuter and a fuel pump and fuel filter and gasket's all over. new spark plugs and wires. a new timing belt and new altenator and relays and fuses all over. new battery and intake manifold gaskets . the will start but won't run. some days we lose our spark all together. it acts like it is over heating but doesn't. the check engine light is not on and have had the car on the computer three times. nothing is reading . we changed out the computer and nothing. there's something wrong with a wire somewhere that is shorting out somewhere. i just don't know where to begin. i hate to have to get a wire harness for the ext. but then maybe the interior too. i just need to know if there is any other option.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:02 PM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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Fuel filter will never fix a starting problem on a Chrysler product. Alternator, fuses, and relays suggests you don't know how the system works or how to troubleshoot it. Throwing parts at it is not a cost-effective method of troubleshooting.

When it doesn't start, check for battery voltage on one of the small wires on the back of the alternator. There should be 12 volts for two seconds, then it won't be there until you crank the engine. If it's missing during cranking, forget about the lack of spark; you don't have fuel either. Suspect a defective camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor.

caradiodoc
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:02 PM (Merged)
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PARIS7588
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I have a 1996 Dodge Avenger, 4 cyl motor. my problem is that the car will start, but after 20-30 minutes the engine dies. After it dies, sometimes it will re-start and run for another 10 minutes or so, other times it may have to sit for an hour or more before it will re-start. I can hear the fuel-pump turn on, could this problem still be in the fuel system or somewhere else?
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:02 PM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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Check the camshaft position sensor. After that two-second burst from the fuel pump you're hearing, it doesn't turn on again until the engine computer sees crankshaft rotation, (cranking or running). The computer knows there's engine rotation by the pulses from the cam sensor. It's somewhat of a common problem, especially when you mention it being temperature-related.

caradiodoc
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:02 PM (Merged)
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DEKDSM
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Alright we have a 96 dodge avenger es that does not have power windows, locks or anti theft. Has been running fine, then one day we went out to start the car and nothing, I can hear the fuel pump, does not want to turn over, will not turn over from a jump start. We are getting 12 volts from the battery and we also check the starter which we replaced. We replaced the Ignition switch and cylinder still nothing. The car does start if you take a 12 gauge wire to the starter and runs fine.

We were told to change the Neutral Safety Switch or the Relay Starter (which is a pain to get to)

Do you have an suggestions and if you think we should replace the NSS how hard is it?? Having problems with getting a Chiltons manual.

Thank you very much
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:03 PM (Merged)
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ROSSMAN78
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I have been reading on this problem, and this is a huge problem for these cars.. It has a ASD relay that controls power to the injectors and this could be faulty. Also I have read that your fuel filter could just be bad. Another was a cam shft sensor.
I hope this will give youa start
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:03 PM (Merged)
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RICGIL
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Engine Performance problem
1996 Dodge Avenger 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

car was running fine, then I stopped to wash the car, after finished tried to start car again and the car would not start. could it be the fuel pump and how can I check to see if that is the problem?
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:03 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
It could be the fuel pump, but since it happened after washing it makes me believe it's electrical. If the ignition wires and distributor cap haven't been changed for some time, you may want to consider doing it.

Also, if you want to check fuel pressire, here is a "How To" video. Many parts stores will lend or rent the tool to you. Or I believe you can purchase one from this web site. Then you will have it in the future too.

https://www.2carpros.com/dia/test_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know if you have quesitons.

Joe
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:03 PM (Merged)
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ALIKAT
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Hi there, I have a 1998 Doge Avenger Coupe V6 Automatic that has 195000 km on it. My car trys to turn over but does not start, it is not getting fuel. My husband immediately thought that it was either the fuel filter or the fuel pump. After carefully checking both it was neither. There is fuel pressure after the filter. Also the engine will start when the engine is primed. Any thoughts?? Thank you so much in advance!


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/93031_Vancouver_and_shit_129_1.jpg

Jan 25, 2021 at 2:04 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Fuel pressure after the fuel filter-but is it the correct pressure, The EFI don't like an out of spec's pre4ssure. Sounds like the computer is not pulsing/energizing the injectors BTW some electronic controls when the computer don't see any signals from the ignition it will disable the injectors for emission purposes. Recommend you check for spark
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:04 PM (Merged)
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RORTA
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Hello everyone,
Here is my dilemma, my car was starting to stall on me would not stay idled unless I held down the gas pedal for about a minute and now it wont start at all!
So here is what I have figured out so far, there is no power to the fuel pump unless I bypass the fuel pump relay, I have bought a new fuel pump relay and still did not work. Even when I bypassed the fuel pump relay and got it pumping the car would still not start. I have also changed the fuel filter which did not help. The only light I see on the dash is the oil light but when I crank it over it disappears. Also, the car will start with starter fluid. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. my next guess would be the crank shaft sensor even though there is no check engine light on. I just bought the car for $800.00 and it is sad that it is just sitting there.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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this may be an anti theft issue try locking your drivers door with key then unlocking it, then try to start that should reset security. If still no fuel pressure check pressure with a gauge. auto parts rent it. if more serious like still not starting then it should be scanned for codes, but not an auto part scanner. See link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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RORTA
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Awesome I will try that. one of the main issues is even when I turn the key I still cannot get power to the fuel pump without bypassing it.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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that really sounds like an anti theft problem so try what I suggested. If you recently disconnected battery or a low battery may have set it off.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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RORTA
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Okay tried the anti lock that you told me it did not work. I was able to pull a code on it p1767.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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there is no code 1767 if it is 87 it is a transmission pressure switch, but that would not stop from starting car. check all fuses under hood and fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. then see if any coil is getting power. See link for fuel pressure.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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RORTA
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Okay I will try it but don't know if it will work since I am still not getting power to the fuel pump so it will not kick on. I can get power if I bypass the relay though.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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one thing I forgot is to check your ASD relay that may be the problem as it supplied fuel pump relay. it is on left side of firewall. guess it is kind of crazy to check fuel pump when you have to jump relay to get pump to work lol. if you can check white/red wire in picture single arrow that comes from PCM double arrow comes from ASD relay. although that may supplying power already. what you might do also is check the ground wire it may not be letting relay get ground then if no power from PCM check wire for continuity should have about five ohms or less be careful if you disconnect PCM as those are very small connectors. finally it may be a bad PCM as well or a bad connection at PCM so you could try some dielectric grease at PCM connection.
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Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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AVTJF
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I have a '96 dodge avenger, it worked really good. The other day I drove it and it made a sqeeking noise and it stalled. It turns over but it does not fire up and it does not sound like it even wants to. What could this be?
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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ZACKMAN
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It can be a number of things.
1. Do you have spark? #1 is impossible to get to check for spark, so use #2 plug.
2. Can you verify fuel at the fuel rail?
3. Remove upper timing cover, and verify that timing belt is intact.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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RORTA
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Sounds good thank you for the help again. is there anyway to bypass the ASD relay to test it? Or is there a ASD relay reset on these vehicles? and I checked the power going into the relay I have power on the 30 and the 86 I believe. I will double check this.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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AVTJF
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I have checked for spark and I dont get any spark. When I turn the ignition on I can hear the fuel pump come on so I know that it is an electrical issue, but where do I start?
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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if you have power on 30 and 86 then ASD is probably good, but here is an article on how to check a relay. See link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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ZACKMAN
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I am concerned with the squeaking noise before stalling. Can you remove the upper timing cover to verify the timing belt is intact. I have a feeling that the belt has jumped time.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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AVTJF
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Well I took a look at the timming belt, it is still intact but when I look at the belt when vehicle is started the belt does not turn, something is seized. I dont know what it could be though.
Jan 25, 2021 at 2:05 PM (Merged)
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GEORGE TALBOT
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I recently bought a 96 dodge avenger and it has ran great up until recently,I took it to have it inspected and while there the car wouldn't start,my mechanic checked for spark and there was plenty of
spark,I tried starting the car again and it did start,I went home shut the car off and went to sleep for work when I went out to leave for work all the car would do was turn over,I changed the fuel pump the fuel pump relay and oil pressure switch and the inline fuel filter,and still no luck starting it.my question is,is there a fuel cut off switch that I might of tripped when I changed the fuel pump and if so where is it located,or is there a fuel pump reset switch and if so where is it located,and also is there a fuel pump fuse and if so where is it located,I'm a single father and I need to get this problem taken care of before I lose my job,any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated, thank you
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Sorry for you trouble. I'll do my best to help. As far as a reset, I have never seen one on this vehicle. Yes, there is a fuse. It will be under the hood in the power distribution box.

Tell me this. Before you replaced the pump, did you check for fuel pressure at the engine? Have you checked since you replaced it? Can you hear the pump actuate when you first turn the key on? Have you checked the fuel pump relay in the relay box under the hood?

And finally, will the engine start for a couple seconds if you use starting fluid?
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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GEORGE TALBOT
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no I didn't check the fuel pressure before or after changing the fuel pump,I changed the fuel pump relay its also new, and I also changed both oil pressure switches, and yes it will start for a few seconds if I spray starting fluid.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The problem is no fuel to the engine. You need to start by checking fuel pump pressure to make sure it is within the manufacturer's specs. If it is, then there is a problem at the injectors. There may not be power getting to them.

Check pressure and let me know what you find.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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GEORGE TALBOT
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What amount of pressure should I find when I test fuel pressure
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The pressure should be around 50psi. Also, If I recall, there are 2 auto shut down relays on this vehicle. They are located in the engine compartment, drivers side, on the firewall. There will be 2 small aluminum relays side by side. Tap on them with a screw driver to see if that has any affect on the issue.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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GEORGE TALBOT
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Have not been able to find the valve for testing the fuel pressure, where would it be located? And I didn't see the two shut down relays you mentioned about on the drivers side fire wall, there are three relays there the one closest to the passenger side of the car is the fuel pump relay, I don't know what the other two are
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Most likely they are the relays I mentioned. As far as the fuel pressure, there should be a valve on the fuel rail.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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GEORGE TALBOT
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If those are the relays you are talking about they are plastic and not aluminum and I can't find the valve for testing the fuel pressure on the fuel rail, what are the relays that I should ask for when I go to the parts store.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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They are ASD relays, but I don't know if they are bad.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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GEORGE TALBOT
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I think those asd relays are bad, have 12 volts of power that runs back to the fuel pump, but only long enough to light up the test light for a split second,
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That could be the issue. Or there is a bad wire that can't handle the voltage.
Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM (Merged)