1997 Plymouth Neon Is the alternator out in my car?

DAVEWENTCRAZY

MEMBER
1997 PLYMOUTH NEON
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I am trying to figure out if the alternator is the problem in my car. I realize I will have to take it to a mechanic but am trying to figure out the problem and general price range first. The engine refuses to turn, all lights and the radio come on in the car. At first I thought the battery was dead, but when AAA came out they said the battery was fine. One of my friends said it could be the alternator or the starter or possibly the battery connection cables. If anyone has any idea of the general problem and the price range please let me know

Thanks

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Without a description of what's happening, we can only guess at the symptoms. If you hear one loud clunk from the starter but it doesn't spin the engine, suspect worn solenoid contacts. They can be replaced for 20 bucks, but most people just replace the entire starter. This always starts out being an intermittent problem that gets worse over many weeks or months.

If there's no noise from the starter and you don't hear a click from the starter relay, suspect a broken cam on the end of the ignition switch cylinder. The switch will turn far enough for the dash lights and other electrical accessories to work normally, but it won't go quite far enough to hit the starter circuit. The dealer has an inexpensive repair kit for that problem.

Caradiodoc