1998 Chrysler Concorde Starting Problems

FRETTO

MEMBER
1998 CHRYSLER CONCORDE
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
168,000 MILES

When starting the engine, the starter motor won't crank; instead clicking sounds can be heard from the engine compartment. Along with this clicking all lights in the car are blinking/flashing accordingly.
I think the starter solenoid and/or the starter engine are dead. Or is there something else going on?

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi:

IT sounds like the battery is weak. The clicking sound is normal when the battery is too weak to turn the engine.

What I suggest is to fully charge the battery and have a load test done on it to determine if it's good. Most parts stores will do that for free. If the battery is good, we'll need to look further for the problem causing the battery to die.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 7:29 AM

FRETTO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello Joe,

Thank you so much for your reply; you are exactly right about the car battery; when low on voltage and/or amps the relay would give a clicking sound due to power failure but in the meantime I found something else that caused it;
The main (big) gear inside the engine (driven by the starter motor gear when starting) was stuck!
I freed it by rotating it after I took the starter motor out. Don't ask, but I can tell you the engine is damaged, most likely a broken piston. I gathered some info and the previous owner stripped one of the spark plug shafts and the debris ended up inside the combustion compartment.
(I bought the car for $250 so I didn't expect too much from it.)
It runs now but with lots of mechanical noise.
From what I know is I need to swap the engine.
Other than the engine, the car is in excellent condition.
I think I will get myself a Dodge intrepid 3.2 engine(they are the same from what I've heard?) And I will see if I can swap them out. Kind of risky but I want this car to run and I am determined.
So, if you know an engine or where to get one. I probably will buy and go for it!
Thanks for your input Joe! I appreciate it very much!

Fretto

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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 9:23 PM