Engine will not crank over?

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The clicking you hear sounds like the park interlock releasing when you press the brake. Will the vehicle start in any other gear? For example, will is start in neutral?

Based on what you are telling me, it sounds like the transmission range sensor has failed.

DESCRIPTION

Picture 1

The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) (1) is mounted to the top of the valve body inside the transaxle and can only be serviced by removing the valve body. The electrical connector extends through the transaxle case.

The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) has four switch contacts that monitor shift lever position and send the information to the PCM/TCM.

Picture 2

The TRS (1)also has an integrated temperature sensor (thermistor) (2) that communicates transaxle temperature to the TCM and PCM.

Picture 3 is a diagnostic flow chart related to the starter not engaging.

_______________________________

I have to ask, did this issue start since the shift solenoids were replaced? Have you checked the linkage to the range sensor and confirm the adjustment is correct? If you just did work on the transmission, it could be something as simple as adjustment or the plug on the range sensor is not properly installed.

If you look at picture 4, it shows the location of the sensor. Confirm it is properly connected.

Let me know what you find. I also need to know how this came to be. I don't want to arbitrarily have you replace the sensor because you need to remove the valve body to access it.

Take care,
Joe

There is a fusible link between the alternator and starter. it is a green wire going to red wire. you should see the link. probe with a test light if power on one side and not the other you need to fix that if okay it sounds like the battery is weak or the starter has gone out but to be sure lets check out these guides, they can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Please run down these guides and report back.

Hello thanks for using 2CarPros.

As a first step perform starter solenoid test check the table fig 1 if the engine cranks continue to starter relay test fig 2 and relay pin out check fig 3.
if engine does not crank check wiring between the relay and the starter solenoid.

Check our guide for wiring check:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out guide for starter check:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please let us know how it turns out.
Thank you.

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Here is the first thing I suggest trying. See the attached link. Often times, when battery terminals are loose or corroded, you will turn the key and everything will shut down. Try this first and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Take care,
Joe

I just want to clarify what you mean by it doesn't crank over to start right away. What happens when you turn the key? Does the engine spin over but just doesn't fire or does it not do anything when you turn the key? Is there even a click if it does nothing?

Lastly, what does it take in order to get this started? Do you have to crank it for a long time or just let it sit and try again a few minutes later?

Let me know what it does and we can go from there because these issues are very different. Thanks

Yes. It could be the starter. But more likely is a failing battery. Let's stop by a parts store and have them load test the battery. Most do it for free so they can hopefully sell you a battery. However, if the battery fails we need to replace it.

The fact that it does not do this after driving just shows that the battery is most likely charged slightly but then after sitting it does not start right away. That is pretty common of a failing battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let me know what happens with this and we can go from there. Thanks

I need you to check a few things. First, make sure all battery terminals and grounds are clean and tight, free of corrosion. If they are, try this. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage to the smaller wire on the starter. You should get 12v when the key is in the start position. If you do, chances are the starter is bad.

Let me know what you find.

The most common way for these alternators to fail is to become intermittent due to worn brushes. It can easily test good, then stop working a minute later. You have to watch the charging gauge on the dash, then perform tests while the problem is acting up.

Battery voltage must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts when the engine is running. If you find low battery voltage, typically around 12.0 - 12.5 volts, you need to measure the voltage on the two small wires on the back of the alternator. Those voltages will determine the next course of action.

Caradiodoc

What does it take to get it started?

It sounds like fuel pressure is bleeding off when the car sits. My Caravan does this at times too in the summer. Suspect a leaking injector or pressure regulator. The injectors have parts that are machined to millionths of an inch. Temperature changes cause parts to expand or contract which can compromise their ability to seal. Fuel pressure should remain in the system for weeks without running the engine. Since it starts if you only leave it sit one day, it suggests pressure is still there. Not starting after two days suggests pressure has had time to bleed down.

As a test the next time you expect it to not start, cycle the ignition switch to "run", (do not crank the engine because that will cause the injectors to bleed off what little pressure might be there). Turn the switch back off, wait a few seconds, then turn it to "run" again. Do this a third time, then try to start it. Every time you do this, the fuel pump will run for one to two seconds, then turn off. After doing that three times, the fuel pressure will be high enough for the engine to start. In my case, all I have to do is to turn the ignition switch to "run", then pause there for two seconds, THEN crank the engine. Works every time.

If this works for you, you'll need to determine the cause for loss of pressure. You will never solve a running problem on a Chrysler product by replacing the fuel filter.

Caradiodoc