QuestionHi Kevin,
I have a 2002 Chrysler Sebring LXi Sedan. Usually it starts without issue, even in sub-zero temps. The other day it started fine, I drove it all day and the next morning it didn't start. In previous cars I have gotten "clicking", but this time I didn't hear anything. The interior lights go on, the keyless entry works, everything seems to be fine but it just wont start. Is this automatically a "new starter" problem or might it be something, well, cheaper?
Thank you for your time.
Matt
AnswerHi Matt,
I just saw your question in the "pool" which means that Kevin must have passed it along to the rest of us to have a try.
No, there could be lots of reasons for a no starter situation. On the actuation (low current) side, you need the key switch to work, the park neutral safety switch to work, and the starter relay to close and conduct a current to the starter solenoid, and that solenoid switch on the starter motor has to click (usually loudly).
Then on the high current side, the battery has to be charged, the cables have to be attached cleanly and tightly to the battery and to the engine ground, and to the starter solenoid. The starter motor itself is the last item in the chain that has to have good brushes/armature. So those are the possible things to check out. The low current side can be assessed by listening for a soft click at the starter motor relay when the key is moved to the starter position. The relay is shown in my '00 manual to be located in the bottom part of the center console in the cabin so if it is indeed there you could try to listen for that click sound. If you get it, then it pretty much has to be in the high current chain of items. So let me know what you learn and maybe we can go from there. You could try tapping on the side of the starter motor with a hammer while a helper tries the key. If the brushes/armature is the weak spot it will sometime spring into action with the jarring.
Roland
