Starting problem

MIKEWM

MEMBER
1999 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
121,000 MILES

My 1999 Dodge interpid occationally fails to start. This happens about once a week and I've been unable to find a pattern except it is never the first start of day. It sually happens after driving and being parked for 10-15 minutes. It will turn over, I can hear the fuel pump so I think it's ok, but no go. After letting it sit for 10 minutes or so it will start ok and runs great. There is no other indication of any type of problem. If I take it to the shop for a diagnostic will that reveal anything? Any other ideas, relays to check, other?

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Next time it refuses to start don't wait for it to make up its mind-do below immediately to determine if its fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if okay-check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing