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1997 Dodge Stratus 5 speed
It has been running fine and one day my wife took it to the store. She called me and told me that it wouldnt start. I went there, tried to jumpstart it and that did no good. Since it is a manual trans. I pushed it of of the parking space pushed it popped the clutch and it fired right up. Got it home turned it off and immediately tried to start it. Got nothing.
When I try to start it all the lights and guages come on, but its like trying to start it when you dont have the clutch pushed in. Ifg I try to start it with out pushing the clutch in it does exactly the same thing as it is doing now. The motor wont trurn over a bit. I get nothing. Just the lights and guages. Other than that nothing happens. Cold this be the neutral safety switch? it seems pretty easy to change, I would like to know before I go out and spend $20 on a switch if thats not the problem.
Thank you

2006-09-14 07:20:50 · 11 answers · asked by wilchy 4 in Cars & Transportation Maintenance & Repairs

11 answers

At this point some diagnostics are required.
When you say it does the same thing as when the clutch isn';t in, do you mean that it turns over a particular way, or that it doesn't at all, or that it merely clicks, or what??
That car has the battery buried under other parts of the engine bay, and as a result, the battery terminals and electrolyte levels are never checked during service.
I would start with a digital volt-meter on the "jump" pegs, and check the battery voltage.
Static voltage less than 12.4 volts is going to indicate a poor charge condition. If you have something approaching 12.5 Volts, leave the meter connected and position it so that you can see it through the windshield; crank the engine - if the voltage drops below 10.5 Volts, battery or the terminals are the cause of your no-start, and need service.
If the voltage remains high, somewhere around 12 Volts, most likely the starter assembly including the solenoid has failed. If the voltage remains very close to the static level, then yes you are looking at the control circuit. This includes the clutch interrupter switch, ignition/starter switch, and possibly the lock assembly not allowing the ignition switch to close.
As to the mechanics of repair, when you isolate the cause, the rest is pretty clear.
if the battery has not been replaced since you have owned the car, it is a good bet that your failure is here. It is unfortunate that Chrysler buries such an important component of the car. As a rule, most shops will service the battery during routine maintenance, but not here, because there is no pay for it, and it can take an extra 20 to 30 minutes. The customer must ASK for this service.

Good Luck

2006-09-14 07:39:45 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0 0

1997 Dodge Stratus

2016-10-03 10:27:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

Unplug the switch on the clutch, and run a jumper wire between the contacts. Try to start the car. If it starts, replace the switch. If it still will not start, you may need to replace the starter. Most likely the switch has gone bad!

2006-09-14 08:22:35 · answer #3 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2 0

Either the starter is shot or there's a switch right behind the clucth pedal that's gone bad. This switch does the same thing as a neutral safety switch. When you depress the clutch pedal, it depresses the switch, thereby completing the start circuit. Hope this helps!!!

2006-09-14 07:25:49 · answer #4 · answered by Shannon 2 · 0 0

Could be that or your starter take it off take it to a car parts store they can check it for free....Or also check your battery cable connections they could be full of corrision or not tight like they should be..
Here is also a great site to ask auto questains its free alls you do is sign up and find your car...www.automotiveforum.com

2006-09-14 07:23:38 · answer #5 · answered by rapid57702 4 · 0 0

Sounds like a loose wire if you can push start the car. You probably made the wire move while pushing it.

2006-09-14 07:31:36 · answer #6 · answered by curious caucasian 3 · 0 2

Either you need a new battery, a starter or could be your fuel injectors.

2006-09-14 07:23:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

You need to replace the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) about $600.00

2006-09-14 07:31:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0 2

it might be the starter or a fuel pump

2006-09-14 07:24:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

its a dodge. sell it and your life will be better

2006-09-14 07:23:52 · answer #10 · answered by not coming back 3 · 0 4

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