QuestionHello Roland, I have a 2002 PT Cruiser Limited Edition with a 2.4 liter engine at 185k miles. Engine died without warning while driving, and will not crank; i.e.; starter will not engage.
Ignition fuses under dash and in engine compartment check out ok. All electrical accessories seem to work: windows, radio, lights, etc. Attempting to "start" does not dim headlights.
Car towed to auto electric repair place, and they could not find problem. They tell me the PCM is not communicating with their tester, and they suspect a lost ground somewhere. I cleaned battery posts, and did a preliminary check of connections. Can't find anything. Had car towed home.
I do most of my own repairs; but the last fiasco like this for a "check Engine" light cost me about $1100 at the dealer for a remanufactured PCM, replacement electronic fan module, and battery. That was 3 years ago at 145k miles.
Appreciate any help.
AnswerHi Al,
The fact that accessories work means the battery is probably OK at least for low current requirements. So why not do a direct jump from the battery + post to the brown wire post at the starter motor solenoid (or one step removed to the starter motor relay socket pin #1 which is the rear/driver side pin of the three in back row of the relay socket) and see if the motor will turnover.
If not, then check the + wire from the battery to the starter and also check the grounding of the - post battery cable wires (at the battery tray and on the inner fender) to be sure you haven't a bad ground for the entire system. Check the ground wire from the right side strut tower to the engine for being clean and tight. Also check the battery clamps to battery, and wires to clamps, for possible corrosion.
If it does respond to the jump, then see if the starter relay is clicking when a helper tries the key.
Let me know and we'll go from there, one step at a time.
Roland
