2001 Dodge Stratus No Start

MSCORDEROSMAN

MEMBER
2001 DODGE STRATUS
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

My mother in law's car will not start. I tried to jump start it, but learned that the battery had plenty of juice. So I have eliminated the battery, starter and alternator.

I can smell gas in the engine (from pressing the gas to get it to start), so I can rule out fuel pump and fuel injectors.

My main thought right now is the Ignition Coil on the top, and to change the spark plugs and wires. The vehicle's computer was changed about 2 years ago at least by dodge.

I did not notice any lights on the dash (Check engine) that would make me worry about any kind of code popping.

Am I right to assume the Ignition Coil, or could it be worse?

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Cranks but no start condition-do below to determine whether it's fuel or spark issue:

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 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, 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, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.