Engine not cranking over?

2003 DODGE STRATUS
138,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JASONROBERTS02
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Hello,
I am having a no crank, no start issue with my car
Here is what I know and what I have done so far:
- Battery is at a full charge and I check it before attempting to start each time I replace something.
- I took out the starter and had an auto parts store test the starter and they said it was perfect (it has about 10,000 miles on it)
- I tested the red battery cable going to the starter and it has full power.
- I tested the trigger cable (not sure if that is what it is called), the cable that should be powered when the key is in the crank position and it is not getting any power when the key is in the crank position.
- I replaced the ignition switch, no change
- I replaced the actuator pin going into the ignition switch, no change
- I replaced the neutral safety switch, no change
- The starter is grounded
What else should I test or replace? What am I missing here?
Thanks for any help or advice that anyone can give on this.
Apr 1, 2017 at 12:44 AM
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HMAC300
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try a security system reset first before any electrical stuff if battery was dirty or recently disconnected sets it off sometimes they go off on their own as well. See link.

This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

and

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
Apr 1, 2017 at 6:50 AM
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JASONROBERTS02
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I just tried this and no change. What else can I try?
Apr 1, 2017 at 7:57 AM
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HMAC300
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check the starter relay in PDC see if it is corroded if it is clean it and use dielectric grease on prongs maybe try tweaking them to fit tighter into PDC. if the brown cable going to starter does not get power then it is a bad connection, fuse box/relay or power-train is not sending signal to start. which can be a connection/wiring issue.
Apr 1, 2017 at 9:39 AM
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JASONROBERTS02
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I checked the starter relay and it is good. I even put in another to test it out. I can start the car by jumping the 10 and 11 pin of the starter relay fuse. That leads me to believe it is the neutral safety switch or ignition switch but both were just replaced. I also have an aftermarket alarm and remote lock system but it appears to be working fine. Could it be something in that?
Apr 1, 2017 at 9:46 AM
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HMAC300
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yes the security system can be the problem there is already one in your car for anti theft that is why I sent the info on resetting the system with an added one it may be interfering with the current one.so if you can reset it (factory) then (aftermarket) or vice versa try that. or disconnect aftermarket and see what you have.
Apr 1, 2017 at 10:02 AM
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BLACKBIRD67
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when engine is cold it starts correctly.After driving a distence and engine warms up start will not engage.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:25 AM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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What are the symptoms when it doesn't crank? Do you hear anything? What happens to the brightness of the head lights or interior lights? Anything else that stops working? Which engine do you have?
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:25 AM (Merged)
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RAMSES1
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hello my 2002 dodge stratus will not start i replaced the battery with a newone but still nothing what else could be wrong
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:25 AM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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What's the symptoms? The battery is only one piece out of dozens in the starter system. Do the head lights or dome light stay bright when you try to crank the engine? Do you hear any sounds?
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:25 AM (Merged)
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SAM AHMED
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crank but wont turn over.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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BLACKOP555
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first thing to do is check for spark and fuel, absent of either one and it wont start.

use a spark tester to check for spark, dont just ground the plug out as thats not a very good test. also check for fuel pressure with a fuel pressure test guage.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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TIM MEG SHELTON
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My car's engine will not crank or start. I keep hearing a little clicking sound under dash. I have power to all inside and outside lights and windows and radio. The battery and starter are good.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Are you getting power down at the starter trigger wire?

Here are two guides to confirm power or not:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out this guide down toward the bottom it shows the test.

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

You will need to lift the car safely as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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SPEEDY-J
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problems with a 2001 dodge stratus rt. change a starter. now the starter is the only thing turnning. need help please, a simple job turned out to be a big job. :twisted:
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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MIKE H R
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remove the starter and check if it is in completly. it could be missing the flywheel witch would not crank over the car but the starter would just spin. when you changed starters were there any shims between the starter and the bell housing.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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CHEVY22
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what was it doing before ??? there are only a few things it can be ,

1. a defective part
2. incorrect ppart or installation
3. inspect flywheel teeth to see if they are worn

thanks
jim

oh and leave some feedback if you were happy with your help , we all donate our time here helping others free of charge
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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[quote:6d7ef0134c="speedy-j"]problems with a 2001 dodge stratus rt. change a starter. now the starter is the only thing turnning. need help please, a simple job turned out to be a big job. :twisted:[/quote:6d7ef0134c]

Sounds like its spinning but its not-an overrunnning clutch problem with the starter. Take it back out and if you can spin the drive in both direction, you have found your bad friend.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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STRATUSGIRL2000
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Ive replaced battery, distributor, computer, and fuel system.
My car would nornally take about 3-4 cranks before starting and then would run fine. After about 4-5 times of turning it off otit would hesitate to start or start then kill. After it set for a while it would start right up. After it killed one day a very loud gringing like sound started when i tried starting it then went away as soon as it started. Now it wont start when i get in it all the lights come on how they should but when i go to start it there is just one light click. its not multiple like it would if my battery was dead but a single click. I figure its my starter because ofy efforts to start it. Please help i need my car for work.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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DRCRANKNWRENCH
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It is possible that your battery has drained down so much that it is just throwing the solenoid out.
On the other hand the solenoid for the starter may be bad. You can have either tested for free at Advance Auto or Auto Zone.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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AMANDA22
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i was driving and my car was perfectly fine then all of a sudden my car started sputtering and shaking from under the hood... i pushed the gas and it didn't go anywhere. I pulled over and tried to start it and my car would crank but not crank over. have any idea whats wrong with it?
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Some testing and checking needed
before determining the reason
check for fuel pressure and if no fuel suspect bad fuel pump
check for spark and timing belt
always check fuses 1st
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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ERIK1199
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Hi I started my car this morning and the whole car began to shake, I also looked at the engine and it too was shaking violently. I could be wrong but it also sounded like it turn over all the way. This has never happened before. Recently I had two of the engine mounts replaced.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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JDL
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How long since a tune-up? Can you check for applicable trouble codes?
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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Not sure what you mean by "turn over all the way", but shaking is due to a misfire. That could be as simple as bad spark plugs and wires, or a bad ignition coil, depending on which engine you have.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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JDL
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To check for codes, at the least, you need an obd2 code reader. Your local autostore should have them.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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MONEYVON
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car runs and shuts off by itself! wont crank until about 15 or 20 minutes later
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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You're describing two different problems, is that right?

A common cause of the engine to stop running while driving is an intermittently defective camsahft position sensor. All electronic modules and computers are heat-sensitive. They can start to work again when they cool down.

When it doesn't crank, do you hear the starter relay click or do you hear one loud clunk? One loud clunk is typically worn contacts in the starter solenoid. The contacts can be replaced, but most people just replace the entire starter.

caradiodoc
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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SHELLON
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Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Dodge Stratus

engine wont turn over
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:26 AM (Merged)
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JDL
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Welcome to the forum. Are you saying it cranks good, but, won't start or, it won't even crank? If no starter action, I'd have to make sure the battery has a full charge and the connections are good. Then, I'd have to check the starter circuit.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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BJASSY2009
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1999 Dodge Stratus 4 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

My car wont start at times. The radio will come on and the lights but the car just clicks. I have to turn the key 3-5 times and take the key out and put it back in before it starts. I dont know if its my battery or starter. I was even told it might just be a blown fuse. Is the a way to determine the difference between a battery problem and a starter problem? How would I know if its just a blown fuse?
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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ZACKMAN
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It is not fuse problem, first off. If it is just a single click and quite, it is towards your starter circuit or the starter itself. If it is continuous clicking, it is towards your battery or battery cables from the battery to the power distribution center. Look for loose connection or corroded wires.

Take your vehicle your an auto part store (Autozone, O'Reilly or alike) and ask them to check your electrical system. Most will do this for free. Post your finding here for further diagnosis.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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WOO10SR
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Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Dodge Stratus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

ran over a speed bump and the car stopped wont restart. Cant get the car to turn over sounds like its getting no gas
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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JDL
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Hello, if your saying it cranks good but won't start, do some of the basic tests. Have a helper crank it while you check for spark at the plugs. If you have good spark everywhere, use a gage, check fuel pressure.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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ERICH20
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my car never wants to start when it is raining or snowing or there is moisture in the air it turns over but never wants to fire up i cant figure out what the problem is i changed the distributor, the plugs and wire recently i cant figure out what else could be happening please help! thankis
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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JBAREBO
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I had a similar problem with mine. it turned out to be the starter. it is in the front middle of the engine area, should have a red cap looking piece on it. Look online for more info or reply to me and i can take some photos. Its held on by two bolts. all the books and online info will tell you to jack the car up to get to it, but once i figured out how its bolted on i was able to slip off the air intake and install and uninstall the starter from the stop. You can take the part off and go to Autozone and they will test it for free. A new one is about 120 with core charge. before you uninstall it, make sure to disconnect the battery positive wire. you will have to remove the drivers side tire and the wheel well cover to get to the battery.
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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DIAMANTEC
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Please I need help figuring out where the starter is on my vehicle to see if that's the problem. I checked all the fuses and they are good. I just need to know the location of the starter. please help
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello,

The starter motor on your vehicle will be at the back of the engine as it has to engage either the flywheel if your vehicle has a manual transmission or the flex plate if it has an automatic transmission. I'm not sure that it is your starter motor though. Can you please take a voltage reading across the terminals of your battery with a Digital Multi-meter [DMM]. If you are unfamiliar with how to use a DMM then here is a link below explaining how to use it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please take the reading and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Aug 20, 2020 at 8:27 AM (Merged)