Question
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Followup To
Question -
my 1998 plymouth grand voyager runs well but atleast once a week it refuses to start or turn over. I have change the battery, starter, tune-up but the problem continues. I can tell when it would not start, if the odometer and the shift indicator lights do not come on when I turn the ignition switch. The dealership thinks it is conected to the alarm system but to fix it I need to change the cumputer and alarm system. is this the only solution
Answer -
No it's not. There's been a few ignition switches to go bad and key cylinders to break. Before I would pay someone to deal with all rest of that stuff I would start with the switch and key cylinder areas.
Typically what will happen with the cylinder is it will break at the end furthest from the key head. When it does this you will be moving the key in to the crank position but the other end of cylinder isn't actually moving the switch to the crank position. If it stops between crank and run then you will have no illumination of the cluster and radio.
The other suspect is the ignition switch itself. It may be moving but there's a good bit of current passing through it so it can wear out. Symptoms would match what you are describing.
I would start with removal of the key cylinder and the switch. Replace the switch and inspect the key cylinder for missing parts or cracking. Replace accordingly.
Now... a little disclaimer... You've replaced the most common parts that go bad (starter and battery). Don't forget to check the terminals too for corrosion and tightness. There still could be other problems but you're replaced the common ones and the switch and key cylinder would be my next step.
Before I forget, is this alarm system a factory component, a MOPAR accessory or after-factory part?
Doug
AnswerThanks Doug. The alarm system is factory installed. It has been know to malfunction. Another thing, the vehicle will usually start and die after a few seconds. If you leave the door unlock, after awhile it will start and run without and problems then it will do the same thing again in a few days.
Response:
If you've got a start and stall condition then that sounds more like a vehicle theft characteristic and not so much an igntion switch. However, on the other hand the illumination of a mechanical instrument cluster should always occur even during a vehicle theft condition. It really sounds like you've got two problems.
Do your door locks not always lock/unlock properly with the key or remote? I've seen a few where you have to use the key and HOLD it in the unlock position for a second or two in order to unlock the doors. Does yours do this?
Also, when you respond please do so using the follow-up feature. I appreciate the positive feedback back that area does not allow me to respond, it's a read-only area.
Thanks,
Doug
