[Sonar_un]

Hello, I am a newbie here, but you guys may be able to help me with this irritating problem I am having with a 2000 Dodge Intrepid.

When I try to start the car, it basicaly just won't start. I turn the key and I get absolutuly nothing. All the electric stuff turns on fine, but the starter doesn't turn. After a few tries pulling the key in and out, and turning the key, it finally starts. The problem is deffinitely getting worse though, and I have no clue where its coming from. I can't find any information on the internet about these cars either.

I have cleaned off the battery, it was corroded a little but, but really not that bad. Thats about all I could do. I looked at all the other connections for corrosion, but I couldn't find anything. This car is pretty new, and at 37337 miles, it shouldn't be doing this.

 

[Sonar_un]

btt

 

[mohamedarif]

At that mileage it should not do so but they do. I have 98 Trep and the same year as yours is owned by a relative. These cars DO NOT have a very good starter - Mine crapped out at 90K km (canadian). The solenoid contacts become sticky and hence nothing happens when you turn the key. I was told they do not do any rebuilds as it comes as a compact unit. Due to my lack of the knowledge on this problem, I got the battery changed only to find out that I had to change the starter too ($450 CDN incl. labour). The problem will escalate as time goes by, because the solenoid contacts in the starter, will become more and more stickier until a day will come when your are stranded.

You must have noticed that when it will get worse, getting a boost will start the car immidiately, which means that extra power will push the solenoids to give way - This is what made me believe that it must be the battery whereas in fact the batter was just fine.
Good luck.

 

[adaptabl]

I had mine replaced with a rebuilt starter 140.00 for the starter and 97.50 labour(1.5 hours). CND dollars. The dealer keeps many in stock, since they replace many. The rebuilt units have larger contacts and seem to last longer.

 

[Sonar_un]

thanks so much for your help.

Is there any way I could do this myself? I have had plenty experience with working on cars, but nothing so new. I guess for ~$200 it would be just as easy to have a shop do it.

 

[BK]

Sonar, love the hood on the Camaro, why don't you put that up on the other site?

 

[bigdaddy]

Hey Sonar, Welcome to the board. I kinda dig that river in the background. Looks as if it may be full of smallmouth bass. Where was the picture taken and do you know the name of the river?

 

[Sonar_un]

BK: For some reason, i can't get pics in my sig at nethirdgen.

BigDaddy: Its just a little man made lake. Probabally not a single fish in it Its about a mile from where I live in a planned neighbourgood

 

[sURFNmADNESS]

hmmm.....

Noticed that he points out removing and putting back in the key will eventually get the car started. This would have nothing to do with the starter, but rather the ingintion tumbler. Get it to your dealer to check it out.

Besides, a review of the TSB's shows the first one looks like it covers this issue.

35. 08-14-99 MAY 99 Antitheft System - Vehicle Stall/No Start

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/16/001621EA.html

sURFN