Starting system issue

1998 CHRYSLER CONCORDE
150,000 MILES • 3.2L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
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Hi,
I hope someone can help. When I turn key I just get clicking sound.Starter does not run nor will engine turn over. Battery is hidden under air box requiring tire removal.
So there are remote terminals for jump starting. to left of engine. Battery is new and when I test battery at remote terminals I get no voltage But when I remove battery and test directly with battery analyzer get 12.4V 776 CCA.I will have battery tested even though it is new. Think it is cables plus alternator or starter maybe? Help!
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Jun 25, 2020 at 8:08 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Good evening,

I agree. It may be the cables or they need to be cleaned really well.

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

That is where I would start looking.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Roy
Jun 25, 2020 at 9:21 AM
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
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I just had battery tested at auto store it is okay. I never did see any battery light on dash. Could a bad connector or wire on starter or alternator break the starting circuit? What do you think of testing starter with lengths of wire connected directly to battery posts?
Jun 25, 2020 at 10:17 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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If you have a test light or voltmeter, we can do some testing to find out where the failure is located.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I attached the wire diagram and the location of the relay. Can you go there for some testing?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Roy
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Jun 25, 2020 at 10:34 AM
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
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Yes, I will tomorrow morning! I have a test light and multi-meter. I will do the testing and will let you know. Thanks.
Jun 25, 2020 at 1:24 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, we can do it together. Let me know when you are ready.

Roy
Jun 25, 2020 at 9:09 PM
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
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Okay. I am ready any time that is good for you.I tested all fuses and they are good.
I located starter relay. You want me to test relay with 12V across 2 terminals and see if it clicks? plus check continuity between 2 other terminals?

Jun 26, 2020 at 1:53 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, remove the relay.

Test light, black lead at battery negative. You should have 1 terminal with voltage with the key on.

Then have someone turn the key to start and you should have a second terminal light up.


Check those voltages.

Roy
Jun 26, 2020 at 2:11 AM
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
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  • 89 POSTS
I will do this now. Let me get a friend to help.
Will report back!
Jun 26, 2020 at 2:48 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds like a plan.

We will be here.

Roy
Jun 26, 2020 at 2:53 AM
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
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ASEMASTER6371,
I just saw the negative battery post is loose and I need to buy a nut.
I need to wait for ride to store.I can email you when I am ready.
Sorry about this.
Thanks!
Jun 26, 2020 at 3:28 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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The whole e mail did not come through.

Roy
Jun 26, 2020 at 3:33 AM
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
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  • 89 POSTS
I just edited. My bad.
Jun 26, 2020 at 3:43 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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No worries. Let me know when you are ready.

Roy
Jun 26, 2020 at 4:16 AM
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GREGORY MICHAEL YATES
  • MEMBER
  • 89 POSTS
The starter relay tested bad. I replaced it. Engine starts up okay. Time to sell this car. I am going to get a old Yugo. No auto airbag. Just a hefty trash bag and foot pump to inflate.

Wish me luck.

Thanks again for expert guidance!
Jun 27, 2020 at 3:41 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Jun 28, 2020 at 9:09 AM
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