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Chrysler Repair/04 Chrysler will not start

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Expert: - 1/9/2012


Question
My car will not start after 3 wks now. The starter was replaced in August and was ruled out as the problem this time. When i turn the ignition switch it says nothing, but all lights and radio works. Th batter was also recently replaced, for the third time in 3 yrs. Luckily, I have been eligible for replacement instead of purchasing new. I do no have the code numbers, but the mechanic said it was an elctrical code.

Answer
Hi Tee,
I am not certain what you mean by "when you turn the ignition switch it says nothing". By that do you mean you hear absolutely nothing, or that nothing appears on the instrument cluster, or?

It may be that if you haven't run the car for 3 weeks that the battery has discharged due to their being something 'on' of which you are unaware. The lights and radio may work even though the battery is discharged to the point where it won't operate the starter motor.

I would try to have a jump start from a tow service if you have insurance coverage, or ask a friend with jumper cables to help do the jump. If it starts, then drive it far enough to recharge the battery (say 10 miles). If the jump start doesn't work, then let me know and I can give you some other suggestions. Tell me the Model of '04 Chrysler that you have, please.
Rolsnd

Chrysler Repair

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Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

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Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

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Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

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"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

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