Expert: Roland Finston - 6/19/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1999 Chrysler 300m, it is having intermittent starting issues.  I turn the key and just hear a click it does this once or twice then starts.  I took it in a week ago but it of course would not do this for the shop. I have now driven it a week and it started again only now it rakes several attempts to get it started.  I at the suggestion of the shop went to the auto parts store and tried the starter relay but still just a click when I tried to start it.  I noticed it only does this when the temp outside is warmer 80 or above, the whole week it worked it was in the 70s or below not sure if this is a factor?  If it's a starter is this hard to do?

ANSWER: Hi Cary,
If the click is loud enough to hear in the cabin and if a helper tries while you listen with the hood open and the sound indeed is coming from the area of the starter motor, then it would appear that the issue is not the relay or the balance of the circuit that brings voltage to the starter solenoid switch (which is making the loud sound). That leaves only the battery/cables or the starter motor as the issue. Is the fat red wire that goes from the battery to the starter motor tightly connected at both ends? Is the battery still relatively new compared to its warranty life? Are the battery cables tight and free of corrosion/deposits at the interfaces? Are the battery - post clamp wires tight and the engine ground wire tightly connected to the cylinder head?
If all those check out, then one would have to concude that the stater motor itself is getting flakey due to worn brushed or armature. So check through all the items I listed to see if any of those are poor. If it all checks out, then I would believe the starter motor is the problem.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month' consider giving a 'yes' response.
Thank you

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It was a cable thank you!  We now have to replace the radiator fan assembly, suggestions on the best approach to doing this?

Answer
Hi Cary,
You have to remove the radiator closure panel and then you can remove the fan assembly by just removing fasteners. Did something break in that fan assembly?
I can copy some pages from the '04 manual that I have on a CD  about removing these parts, and attach them to an email. Let me know your email address by sending me a follow-up question but use the 'private' option. Just list you address in the text section.
Roland
PS Thanks for your previous rating/nomination. You are entitled to do it again if you so-choose.