Intro
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to be, you get in your Chrysler, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all! Your Chrysler won't start! This an extremely frustrating scenario, however, don't stress, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of factors why your Chrysler won't start, and in this article, to save you time we'll go over the most common causes along with providing you with practical options to get your car back on the road faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail!
Before getting stuck in, we want to respect your time, if you are in a rush, you’re always welcome to talk to a live mechanic 24×7 and get immediate help and assistance on finding and solving the problem, by clicking the “ask a mechanic” button in the bottom right of this page.
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's important to initially have an understanding of the issue. When you hop into your car and realize “my Chrysler won't start”, this could be because of different issues being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe it's making a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, however in the end nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can be a sign of various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Chrysler Won't Start
There are numerous reasons a Chrysler refuses to start up. These issues usually include a weak or dead car battery, a bad alternator, starter motor problems, and fuel system failures, in addition to electrical or wiring complications. Each one of these issues can show up as various symptoms and require different solutions to identify and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of a Chrysler That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in discovering the root cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise however your Chrysler still won't start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Chrysler Won't Start
The initial step to discovering a solution to the problem is knowing the underlying cause of that issue, so let's explore the most common reasons your car will not start.
Chrysler Battery Issues
In the majority of instances, the most common reason why your Chrysler can't start is often because of your car battery, it's either dead or weak, and you need to either recharge the battery or change it. The vehicle's battery supplies the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Chrysler. Signs of a weak or dead battery issue in a Chrysler can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dash
Chrysler Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A damaged alternator can certainly prevent your Chrysler from starting as it won't have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly till it's totally dead and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Chrysler and it refuses to start. Signs that the alternator may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dash, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it's running.
Chrysler Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Chrysler. If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your Chrysler won't start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key or a grinding sound throughout the startup, or your car starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Chrysler Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having complications. Your Chrysler uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Chrysler issues are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the vehicle going.
Chrysler Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Chrysler vehicles rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially fail. Even in an older model, you can have fairly normal issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a faulty ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be a few of the numerous electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your Chrysler won't start up. Signs of a wiring or electrical issue can vary widely but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Chrysler can start but only intermittently or some alert lights show on the dashboard. To correctly diagnose and fix these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have diagnosed what the reason for your Chrysler being unable to start is. The next logical step is naturally to try and fix it. Here are some pointers for the common issues we've covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Chrysler
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you must do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can try cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water. If the battery is just old or weak, you will have to replace it, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably die once again in the near future. You can make use of a multimeter as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or in your area to best advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Chrysler
If the alternator is what you suspect is the cause, you can test it. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the car run, and while it's running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It's likely because of a problem with the alternator if you discover your Chrysler dies fairly quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be risky and dangerous, and might damage the sensitive electronic components in your Chrysler, so it's necessary to consult with an experienced car mechanic in your area or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Chrysler
It's likely an issue with your starter motor if you hear the clicking sound but the engine does not crank. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Fix Fuel System Complications in a Chrysler
If you think the issue is due to a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a few seconds. It might be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you discover your Chrysler is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could possibly be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to properly fix.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Chrysler
If you suspect it's a wiring or electrical system issue, initially examine the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Chrysler starts after this, then it was a successful, inexpensive, and easy repair! Nevertheless, if the car refuses to start, even intermittently it could be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It could be a faulty sensor if various warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard. These issues can be extremely complicated and a professional car mechanic is most likely needed to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to make sure you prevent any Chrysler starting problems again!
Routine Maintenance of Your Chrysler:
Routine maintenance of your Chrysler is crucial to preventing future difficulties. This consists of things like regular oil changes, inspecting the battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your vehicle checked by a reliable car mechanic regularly. You can consult a mechanic in your area or online if you are unsure or not sure about the regular upkeep tasks required for your particular vehicle.
Drive Your Chrysler Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Chrysler stagnant for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery can waste out of charge as it's not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery charged. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still a charge in the battery if you remember you have not driven your Chrysler for a while. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging to the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything weird like unusual sounds, changes in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights are now visible on the dash, don’t just ignore them. These are usually early indications of a problem and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP so that they don’t end up being larger issues down the line. Talk to a car mechanic locally or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Chrysler Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like an expert Chrysler mechanic on hand to guide and advise you, or you've actually tried to solve it yourself, but regardless of your best efforts your Chrysler won't start, then talking with a Chrysler mechanic online can be an excellent choice.
Advantages of Online Mechanic Solutions
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, provide a number of benefits. You can get expert Chrysler mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially useful if your vehicle won't start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get responses quickly, which is terrific if you're in a rush, require a 2nd opinion, or you just like having a professional Chrysler mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can offer immediate aid, guidance, and advice. You have the ability to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask a Chrysler mechanic limitless questions, and even submit images and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them by means of online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Chrysler mechanic online will help you identify the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your individual scenario and even assist you through basic maintenance and repair work step by step.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your Chrysler won't start, it will likely be a total downer and an enormous inconvenience. However, understanding what might be triggering the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a huge help. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to avoiding all vehicle issues.
If this guide was informative but your car issues persist, you are welcome to talk to a mechanic on the phone through our service, anywhere, anytime, any day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Chrysler will not start?
First off, do not panic. Try to identify any signs that could indicate an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is most likely one of the main causes talked about in this guide. If you can't find the problem yourself, you will need the assistance of a Chrysler mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Chrysler won't start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Chrysler include the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. It may be best to simply swap it out for a new one if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Chrysler not starting issues?
In order to ensure this annoyance never ever happens once again, routine upkeep is key. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning it's terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and getting your Chrysler checked by a mechanic often. It's also an excellent idea to drive the car regularly so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Chrysler won't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instant specialist Chrysler mechanic assistance and guidance, without you needing to leave your home. If your Chrysler can't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly useful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Chrysler won't start?
We link you with certified expert Chrysler mechanics who can offer suggestions on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly demonstrate the problem and explain it. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, identify the issue, suggest the very best course of action, and guide you along the way.
