New Battery/Engine won't start
 

I am original owner 2007 Crossfire LTD Coupe ---31,000 miles.
Put a brand new Interstate top of the line gel Battery...have had several episodes where the Engine intermittently, will not start... Brought it back...they cleaned the Battery cables..started fine.. came home...got in the car hours later-car would not start... Starter cranks , but will not start the engine...brought it again to repair shop..(very frustrating)... they say there is an intermediate short when a load tester is put on it.. Called the Chrysler dealer in Houston TX...where I bought it in 2008...Explained the problems and they said they never heard of this...ANY ONE ELSE ever HAD This Problem? :(

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

"They" don't know what they are talking about. First, the word is intermittent. Second, people who know NOTHING about electronics describe all electrical problems as "a short". Third, I don't see how a "load tester" would show you there is a short - a short is found by measuring current, not putting a load tester on the battery.



An engine that cranks but won't start is often suffering from one of the following:

1) Bad Crankshaft position sensor (does not always light the check engine light; always buy a BOSCH part)
2) Bad solder connections on the Relay Control Module (pull the module and have someone resolder any cracked connection, better yet, resolder ALL connections on the board)
3) Bad Battery (yes, a battery that cranks the engine may not start the engine...)

A less likely problem would be a bad CAMshaft Position Sensor, problems with the security system, bad fuel pump/filter, bad MAF sensor or other sensor...

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

crank but no start is usually the crankshaft position sensor... under $50 fix...and you need to replace it anyway...so worth a try....good luck

Would a bad CPS set a code? The mechanic working on my car is very knowlegeable and would have jumped at easy fix. I will pass that suggestion on to him just in case. Thanks for the reply.

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

It has happened.. typically it does throw a code, but not impossible to be bad and not.

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

Thanks for your reply. My car does three things intermittently: 1. It will start and run great with no code set, 2. It will crank but not start and 15 min later crank right up or 3. Be OK until moving the key to "start" position where everything goes dead (no dome light, headlights or dash lights) until the key is out of start, than everything comes back on. #3 is where the mechanic shows a dead short with the load tester. I've had 4 new batteries this week, and both battery cables have been removed and cleaned.
My mechanic is baffled, and I will pass along your suggestions. Thanks again for your replies. This forum is a lifesaver!

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

Auto or stick? Auto has an "Auto start" feature.. when you bump the key over a start relay timer is engaged and cranks the engine for XX amount of time.. How old did you say this battery is.. dead- weak cell?

Edit .. just noticed new.. .. possibly the relay.. ?

Hmm.. I wonder bad spot on the starter motor.. #3 ??

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

Mrmiata, My car is automatic and has the autostart feature you mention. The #2 situation I mentioned it will crank for about 7 seconds and not start. After waiting a while it will either crank right up, or go to the #3 situation- you never know.

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

Your #3 is definitely a new one I haven't heard before. Fuel pump is spinning up each time I trust? When you throw #3 in the mix.. it almost sounds like two problems going on.. When it won't start after cranking.. you might try pulling the CPS plug-connector and re seating it.. just for grins shall we say..

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

Mrmiata, I'm not sure about the fuel pump. Is this a possibility for a failing fuel pump? work sometimes and have a short the next. That would be unusual, but possible. I'll ask the mechanic if the fuel pump is energizing in each situation. Thanks for the input.

Re: New Battery/Engine won't start
 

Just going with the basics.. fuel.. air.. fire.. combustion.. LOL.