AllExperts > Chrysler Repair 
Search      
Chrysler Repair
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Chrysler Repair Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Chrysler Repair Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Chrysler Repair
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Roland Finston
Expertise
I specialize in Chrysler Corp. front wheel drive cars and minivans for the years 1982-2005 based upon my 50-year DIY experience and factory shop manuals. I don't have expertise/manuals for Jeeps, Trucks, SUV's, Imports. Today I will take questions one at a time from 8am-7pm CST, answering you within 1/2 hour. If I am shown as "maxed out" try again, in an hour, as I may be answering another question or otherwise busy. There are answers to ten thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers".

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Home/Garden > Auto Repair > Chrysler Repair > starter malfunction: '01 Neon

Chrysler Repair - starter malfunction: '01 Neon


Expert: Roland Finston - 11/3/2009

Question
My 2001 dodge neon will not turn over, brand new battery, but when I try to start it it won't make a sound.

Answer
Hi Sandra,
Try moving the gear shift a bit off the detent position(both directions) from neutral and from park to see if the park/neutral safety interlock may be slightly out of adjustment. If that doesn't help, then go to the power box under the hood that is next to the battery and check fuse 9 to be sure it isn't blown or has a subtle crack in its wire. If that doesn't help then have a helper try the starter while you listen/touch the relay (a small box) in the same power box, that is the closest to the inner edge of the box and which is the starter motor relay. See if it clicks when the helper tries to start it. If it does, then the problem is the connection to the starter motor from the battery, the solenoid switch on the starter motor that should make a loud click if it were getting the 'word' from the relay to close. If it doesn't click then it is either that safety interlock or the fuse I mentioned, the ignition switch,  or a wiring problem of that safety switch because the relay should click softly if the power is present and the safety interlock is working, and of course if the ignition switch internal contacts are good. If you are lucky something simple will be the answer, if not, then you would want to have a volt-ohm meter to check through the system from the igntion switch to the starter solenoid. Let me know what you find. Does the rest of the electrials seem to work? Are the battery clamps tight on the battery terminals?
Roland

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.