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I have a 1999 Town & Country Limited. Every this work ...
Sent to Car Experts May 08 12:07 PM

I have a 1999 Town & Country Limited. Every this work perfectly, but every once and a when I attempt to start the vehicle, I have a problem. The problem is, all the electronics (dash lights, radio, blower, dash lights) come on when I turn on the key. The problem is nothing is happening in regards to the starter. No clicks, nothing. Again everything works but nothing is getting to the starter. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the starter. I have this problem and they cannot duplicate it at the dealership. When the problem occurs I can sometimes overcome the problem by turning the key on and off, on and off, put car in neutral, put in park, open and close the doors, lock and on lock doors (with and without keyless entry). But lately nothing helps. The dealer is stumped and I am tired of getting stuck. Last night the problem occured and nothing made it work. I figured I would have it towed to the dealer so they would see the problem. But, just for the heck of it I tried the key and it started. What could cause this...

 

Optional Information:
1999 Chrysler Town & Country 3.3

Already Tried:
new starter

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
May 8 12:23 PM (15 minutes and 40 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

hello, it sounds to me like the ignition switch may be malfunctioning. not the key lock but the actual switch. you need to try to start the vehicle with a voltmeter attatched to the field terminal of the solenoid (on the positive probe) and negative probe touching the engine block (or other good ground source). if you have power there and the engine does not turn, look at a possible faulty solenoid provided there is sufficient battery voltage reaching the starter. ALSO CHECK FOR BROKEN OR DAMAGED WIRES TO THE STARTER, this would also cause intermittent problems (wiring damage is the most common intermittent problem causer)



Edited by ase_master327 on May 8 2006 at 12:26 PM

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ase_master327 -- Shop Owner - 11 Years -- 100% Positive Feedback on 722 Car Accepts
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May 8 12:54 PM (30 minutes and 39 seconds later)
         
Reply to ase_master327's Post: The switch works fine. What else can it be?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 8 1:56 PM (1 hour and 2 minutes and 21 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
sorry to keep you waiting, had to run to parts house. switch good, new starter, check for damaged wiring(especially if the wires run close to the exhaust system),other than that, the only other thing i can see is a possible sticking relay(if equipped)

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ase_master327 -- Shop Owner - 11 Years -- 100% Positive Feedback on 722 Car Accepts
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May 8 6:22 PM (4 hours and 26 minutes and 21 seconds later)
         
Reply to ase_master327's Post: Wiring is ok. Where would this relay be? A friend told me about an ignition module. Does this car have one and could it affect or cause this problem?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 8 11:05 PM (4 hours and 42 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

if the ignition module was bad, it would turnover but not run. the ignition module is an ignition system component(maybe they meant powertrain control module). you are having trouble with the starting circuit. since there is too much information to type it all out, here is a link that will help you find the problem. just be patient though there is a good chance that you will have to duplicate the problem for the test results to be accurate. this will help you its the complete repair manual for your vehicle

when you get there go to "engine electrical" and youll see "starting system" click on it and youll see "starter", click there and theres the testing procedure. heres the manual. if this helps please click "ACCEPT" Images available only to Customers.



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