AboutRoland Finston Expertise I take questions about domestic Chrysler-product front wheel drive cars and minivans for the years 1982-2000 based upon my experience and shop manuals. I don't have detailed information (e.g. manuals) nor expertise for Jeeps, trucks, SUV's, import vehicles, or for years more recent than 2000 (except Sebring/Stratus I have '03).
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Experience I have been a do-it-yourself auto hobbyist for 5 decades, and most recently have been concentrating on the various Chrysler Corporation domestic front wheel drive cars and vans. I have shop manuals and wiring diagrams for many models for the years '83-'00, as well as rear wheel drive cars for the early 80's. I enjoy analyzing problems that other Chrysler enthusiasts are having and sharing my information.
Organizations belong to Group co-moderator of the Yahoo autos group The Chrysler LeBaron Club
Expert: Roland Finston Date: 7/22/2008 Subject: 99 Breeze 2.5L, no starter
Question I am having an issue with my car just out of no where that I can't start it. I turn on the key to accessories and I get my dinging that the door is open, the dash lights come on, my blower will come on but no radio and not even a click when turning the key to the on position. First time it happened was on this past Friday, I had it towed to a garage and they couldn't look at it till morning, but it started no prob and they couldn't find anything wrong after 2 hours of looking. I just had the same situation on Sunday and my car still won't start. I need my car badly I have a 5 yr old and only transportation I have. Any help is very much appreciated. Thank you! Michelle
Answer Hi Michelle,
When you say 'accessories' position, I assume by that you mean the "run" position, where the key is when you have it started and are driving? (The 'accessory' position is usually meant to be the one for only running the radio, etc.)
And by "on" you mean the starter (starter motor) position?
Do you hear the fuel pump hum for about 1 second when you turn the key to the run position?
And you still can't get the starter motor to crank the engine, correct? That is the first thing we would need to work on. So please use the "thank and rate" tab to answer my questions in the 'comments' area, and I will see it immediately and give you a follow-up answer.
Roland
PS If the main problem is the starter motor not responding when you try the key, then the possibilities are:
the gear shift is not properly 'centered' at either the park or the neutral position; so now try moving the shift lever slightly to one side or the other of the central detent P and N positions and then try the key again. Try this in both P and N. Let me know if that makes the starter motor work.
Fuse 8 in the box under the hood near the battery might have a crack in its wire that makes it not reliable. Try switching it with another fuse, like fuse 6 which is for the emergency flashers.
Then the other possibilities require a voltmeter or a 12V glo-light to test whether the circuit that energizes the starter is OK.
So try these things and let me know what happens and whether you have the meter or glo-light. Also, have a helper open the same box under the hood where the fuses are and find the 4 relays (small cube-shaped boxes) that are at the very back of the box, down slightly below the front part of the box. The front one on the driver side is the starter relay. While you try to 'start', have the helper listen/feel whether that relay 'clicks' or not.
Hi Roland, its Michelle again. Thank you so much for your reply as speedily and clear as it was. I appreciate that immensely! I have tried what you said. First off, there is not a single sound or hum of the fuel pump when I turn the key on. I did however try the positioning of the P and N by moving it slightly to either side first before realizing that the blower was running and when I turned that off was when I realized there was no sound of the pump like normally. Does that mean my fuel pump is bad? or is there a fuse I can check for that too? Thank you so much in advanced for your help. you are a wonderful person to offer your help like this, I hope you know that. Smiles, Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for the kind words and nomination.
Yes, check fuses 5, 8, and 10 in the power distribution box under the hood as those are all involved in the starter and fuel pump operation. They all have to be patent, so look closely for a minor crack in the internal wire, not just a blow out. Again, listen for the pump for just a second, and also when you try the starter listed for the click in rear section of the same distribution box.
Let me know what you find.
Roland
You could also try exchanging fuses of the identical color with 5,8, and 10 with others in the box, just to be sure. But maintain the proper color assignments.
