Questions and Answers
Dodge Shadow No Start Sometimes
Q. Hello Vincent. I wasn't sure where to e-mail my question, on the page or here, so here I am. For one thing, I would like to thank you for your site to help us as these cars now a days are beyond the (shade tree) mechanics now. I have a Dodge Shadow that starts most of the time but won't (seams like its not connecting) sometimes. I bought it from my Mom.
She said the mechanic told her something about three points having something to do with the ignition and that he replaced two of them or something like that. Here's the info you asked for in order:
- 1994 Dodge Shadow
- 2.2 liter
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
Its not the starter I'm almost sure of that It starts too good 90% of the time. Just now and then it does it, but its getting more frequent. So, thought I'd ask you.
Well, thanks again for helping,
TyronA. There are two types of no start conditions. "Crank, No Start" and "No Crank". "Crank, No Start" means that when you turn the key, the starter motor spins the engine but the engine does not start and run.
"No Crank" means you turn the key and the starter does NOT spin the engine. A big difference in me trying to diagnose a problem. But from what you describe I'm going to assume you have a "No Crank" condition.
The next time it doesn't start, check for power at the brown wire (small terminal) at the starter. If you have power there with the key in the START position, you have a bad starter.
If you have power there, go to the starter relay and check for power at the brown wire there. If you have power, the brown wire is open between the starter relay and the starter.
Now check the yellow wire, if you have power with the key in the START position, you have a bad starter relay. If you don't have power there with the key in the START position, you need to go to the ignition switch and see if you have power at the yellow wire there. If you do, the yellow wire is open. If not, you have a bad ignition switch.
Also, at the Neutral Safety switch on the side of the transmission, you should have power in and out with the key in the START position and the transmission in PARK or Neutral. No power if it is in any other position.
