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When I try to start my car, usually after an overnight ...


Sent to Car Experts July 31, 2006 5:35 p.m.

When I try to start my car, usually after an overnight park, I have trouble starting the car. It is not the battery or the alternator. Could it be the starter? It sounded as if it was a dead battery, but I had it checked out and it was good.
Any suggestions

Optional Information:
1999 Dodge voyager V6

Already Tried:
replaced the battery, alternator checked and working
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $10   
Answer
July 31, 2006 5:43 p.m. (7 minutes and 15 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Hello!

These vehicles commonly experience intermittent starter problems. Usually, when attempting to start the engine you will hear a single loud "click" under the hood but the engine fails to turn. Most often, cycling the key several times will eventaully result in the engine finally starting. In an emergency, if you cannot get the car to start, have someone hold the key in the "start" position while you tap on the starter with a small hammer or other handy object to jar it; this usually will make it operate.

The electrical contacts inside the starter on these vehicles tend to pit and burn, resulting in a rough surface that does not make good contact. The cure is to install a remanufactured starter. I would suggest installing a good quality reman starter from the dealer (they cos in teh $150 range). Many of the cheaper brands sold at discount parts stores such as Autozone or Advance are rebuilt without replacing the internal contacts; as a result the cheap reman ones sometimes do this right out of the box when new.

I hope this is helpful; if so, please click my accept button! thanks!



Edited by Steve7654 on July 31 2006 at 5:43pm
PictureSteve7654  -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1664 Car Accepts
27 yrs ASE L1 Master Technician, Service manager
Reply to Steve7654
Sent July 31, 2006 5:59 p.m. (16 minutes and 34 seconds later)

Thanks. I thought this might be the problem.
I am not near my mechanic right now, do I need to replace immediately or can I wait another week?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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