1998 Chrysler Town and Country '98 T & C won't start af

NTELASUE

MEMBER
1998 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY

Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Chrysler Town and Country Two Wheel Drive Automatic

We have had this problem multiple times when the weather is hot, but never in cooler weather. After driving somewhere (doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to how far or how many stops have been made, but shorter drives seem to bring it on more often), it will not turn over when we attempt to restart it. The radio, lights, etc all work, but it doesn't even try to turn over. We have had to wait as long as 2 1/2 hours from the time it was last driven before it starts again. Usually the wait is more like 1-1 1/2 hours.

It has been checked and is not throwing any codes to help with diagnosis.

I have wondered if it could be something wrong with a thermostat. The last time, it seemed that the outside temp it was reading before we stopped was a bit higher than it should have been.

Anyone have a solution or idea?

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Are you saying it cranks good, but, won't start? Or it won't even crank? If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while you check for spark at the plugs. Got to start somewhere. Use a gage and check fuel pressure.

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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 2:56 PM

NTELASUE

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2 POSTS

It doesn't crank at all. However, it's not a power issue since the radio and lights work.

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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 3:20 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

When the problem occurs, can you tell if there is a load on the starter circuit? With the key in the crank position, watch the dash lites or dome lite, you can also turn on the headlites, watch those. If the lites go out or almost, the problem is usually the battery or connections. Although, I can't rule out the starter itself. If the lites stay bright and no starter action with the key in the crank position, then it sounds like an open circuit. I'd have to check the feed circuits going to the starter relay. Voltage for the load side of relay is hot all the time. Voltage for the coil side of relay goes hot with the key in the crank position. Just unplug the relay, use a testlite.

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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 3:42 PM