QuestionQUESTION: To start with I have a 98 3.2 Intrepid. At first it started stalling then it got to where it wouldn't start. Took it to a mechanic. They replaced the fuel pump. Still would not stay running same problem. Took it home replaced the crank shaft position sensor and battery and it ran ok for a couple weeks. Then same problem. Only when you would try to start it there would be a strange noise, (kinda like the noise it would make if you tried to start a car that is already running) the noise is hard to describe but thats about the sound of the noise. Took it to another mechanic. He replaced the starter. Still same problems. Once in a blue moon it would start but would not stay running. I brought the car home again and replaced the Idle Air Control Valve but, once I replaced that, it would no longer even turn over. There is a constant ticking coming from the relays even without the key being on and my new battery is drained. Tried to get codes but no codes. What would make the relays click like that and what is draining the battery and what could possibly be reason for it not starting or running. The mechanics only suggestion was the PCM. Please help if you can.
ANSWER: Hi Paul,
Can you identify which relays are clicking by touching them? If so let me know which. Have you checked to hear the fuel punp run for about a second when you first turn the key to "run" position? Have you checked for spark wnen cranking? See if pulling out fuse 19 behind the dash stops the clicking.
Roland
PS Use the thank/rate tab below to get back to me without having to wait for me to be avaiable.
when I turn the key on RUN the shutdown relay and the fuel pump relays click. When I turn the key on OFF the fuel pump relay quits clicking and the shutdown relay still clicks. I pulled fuse 19 and there was no change. Yes the fuel pump runs when you turn the key on RUN. As for the spark while cranking ,not sure how you want me to check that. Hope this will help answer your questions so hopefully you'll be able to help me with mine. Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul,
The strange thing to me is that the ASD relay keeps clicking even when the ignition of off. The activation coil of the ASD has attached at one end the battery (socket pin A) and the other end is attached to the powertrain control module (socket pin C). In the normal state of affairs when the ignition switch is turned off there should be no power to the powertrain controller which would leave socket pin C either "floating" or with 12V on it.
For some reason there is an oscillating ground applied to Pin C by the powertrain control module when the key is off. I would suggest that you check what the voltage is like on that pin C of the ASD socket. If that ASD clicking is happening when you have the ignition on and are trying to start it then that would explain why it won't start. If you find that the voltage on pin C is oscillating with the same frequency as when the relay clicks, then I would check whether the voltage on pin 20 of the plug at the powertrain controller which has pins 1-40 is showing 0V when the ignition switch is off, and then 12V when it is on. Also check voltage on pin 46 of the other plug at the powertrain controller for a steady 12V both when the ignition is off or on. Use a fine straight pin to probe through the insulation to reach the internal conductor of each of these wires OR remove the plug and check the pin in question.
I will be interested to know. If the voltages on those plug pins are steady and not pulsing, then it seems to me that the powertrain controller has gone faulty.
We'll deal with spark question after getting the ASD to stop clicking.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Roland,
The pin c socket 86 and 30 stay steady with 12v and the 87 socket is pulsing with the key off.
Thanks Paul
AnswerYou will recall that we exchanged q and a's earlier this month about your car. I am competing to be recognized as 'expert of the month' for November, and the voting ends Sunday afternoon. If you would consider giving me a vote, that would be most appreciated. Use the "Thank/rate" tab below where you will see "nomination?" and then change the 'no' to a 'yes' to give me that support. I hope things are well with you and your vehicle.
Roland
Hi Paul,
Can you re-state these observations in terms of pins A,B,C,D rather than 30,86,87? I could probably figure out what you mean, but I don't want to make a mistake. The manual I am working with doesn't show the two digit numbers, only the capital letters.
Thanks,
Roland
I am showing C is the outboard pin, D is the front pin, A is the inboard pin, and B is the rear pin.
Hi Paul,
Any progress to report? I noticed one comment came in suggesting the battery was weak as the cause of the relay clicking, which is a possibility. Use the "thank/rate" to let me know without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question.
Roland
