QuestionQUESTION: My 1991 Chrysler Lebaron 4dr 3.0 v6 .
When i turn the key the car will not start it will turn over but not start. there is a buzzing noise comeing from the starter. if i am lucky and it starts it shakes violently. i have replaced the motor and transmission mounts. it shakes so much it shuts off. i do not know what the problem is. what do you think it may be?
ANSWER: Hi Aaron,
The quickest way to get to the bottom of the problem is to use the ignition key to find out if the engine controller has recognized the cause and stored it as a 2-digit fault code number in its memory. Turn the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on", doing that in an elapsed time of 5 seconds or less. Then watch the check engine light, which remains 'on', to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the process to be sure you get the same set of counts. Then group the counts in pairs in the order of appearance. The last two sets of flashes is always 5 in each, i.e., the fault code 55 which means 'end of readout'. Then write back with the other codes numbers and we'll go from there. Or you can go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a list of the codes. Tell me more specifically about the starter buzz: I don't understand whether the buzz occurs when the starter motor is working or is not responding to the key. Does it come from the starter motor or from a relay on the driver side of the engine compartment? Is the battery fully charged?
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me with the results of the readout of flashes, without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question. There is a space for comments, to which I will reply.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: the starter makes the buzzing when i turn the key it seems like it is not catching on the flywheel. the battery is brand new.
AnswerHi Aaron,
I was wondering how things worked out with the starter motor? Please let me know by using the 'thank/rate' tab below. While you are there if I might ask a favor: where it asks about a 'nomination for expert of the month' I would appreciate your entering a 'yes'. I am in a close race for that honor so every vote counts!
Thanks,
Roland
Hi Aaron,
The solenoid switch/bendix gear actuator could be weak (not projecting the spinning gear out far enough to mesh with the flex plate's toothed ring, or there could be a chipped tooth in that ring. I would consider doing a starter rebuild as the most reasonable approach to see it that improves the meshing of the two gears. How about the fault codes?
Roland
PS Thanks for the nomination.
PPS You might try just removing the starter and lubricating the shaft upon which bendix gear moves as well as the other mechanical parts associated with it. Then remount the starter and see if it works better or not.
