No power past Starter Solenoid

ANSWER : Hey there. That is a tough one. If your not getting power past the solenoid, the only thing I would consider is that the ground connection from the starter is faulty or the wire itself is frayed. On an older Dodge like your W100, I would suspect electrical wires and connections as being the trouble spots. Check all connections and replace the ground wires to be on the safe side to see if this resolves your issues.

ANSWER : To determine if the engine is seized, simply attempt to turn the crankshaft pulley bolt clockwise and the crankshaft should rotate. If the spark plugs are all removed, the crankshaft will turn with relatively little resistance. Of course, if the spark plugs are all installed you will feel resistance but the engine will still turn, unless it is seized. As far problems with the starting circuit, the very first thing that should be done is have the battery load tested by a professional. Load testing can only be reliably performed on a fully charged battery. If the battery passes a load test be sure it is NOT a marginal pass in which case you should install a new battery to reduce diagnostic headaches. Batteries are a VERY important component in a car’s electrical system.

Once you have a fully functioning battery, if the starting system still does not function, there are actually only a relatively limited number of causes. Broadly, either the starter motor/solenoid assembly is faulty or the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch and terminations. Basically, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. If the starter motor is getting power but it doesn’t work, the starter is condemned and replaced. Alternatively, if there is no power to the starter, then the circuit is traced until the fault in the circuit is found. Notably, faults can include high resistances, due to corrosion, wire strand breaks, or loose terminals, which can only be diagnosed using a voltage drop test. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this promptly, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there – I suspect the "bolt" you mention is on the starter solenoid, which has burned contacts. This means that you can measure voltage to the solenoid, but there is not enough current through the solenoid contacts to kick the starter motor. Jumping it adds enough current to overcome the resistance of the burned contacts. I recommend replacing the starter assembly by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : It’s possible that the starter relay, or motor is faulty, which is not allowing the starter shaft to extend to the flywheel and turn the motor over. It’s also possible that it’s not properly aligned or perhaps the wrong starter for your application. If you’ve double checked all of your connections, verified your starter relay is good, and are certain your battery has enough cranking amps, then retrace your installation procedure and verify that the starter you purchased is the right one for your Mitsubishi.

ANSWER : Hi there. Diagnosing an electrical issue like this can be very time consuming and frustrating. However, it’s always best to start with the basics like checking fuses, the main electrical relay, and grounding issues. If you need some assistance pinpointing the source of your electrical problem, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the car and proceed with needed repairs.

ANSWER : Check the wiring on the starter to the ignition switch and see if they are crossed on the solenoid of the starter. If the wiring is crossed, the starter solenoid will stay engaged as the starter is engaged. If the wiring is hooked up normal, then the ignition switch maybe damaged causing the starter to stay engaged. If you need further assistance with your starter staying engaged, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : If you hear the starter engage but does not turn the motor the flywheel on the engine may have missing teeth. The starter also may have a a bad drive then will not turn the motor. The starter will have to be removed and then look at teeth on flywheel to see of they are broken or worn off. If they are then the ring gear will need to be replace.

ANSWER : Yes, it could be the starter solenoid, It could also be the starter relay, the transmission position sensor, the ignition switch, or even the starter motor itself. There really is no substitute for a point to point diagnosis for tracking down the problem. It will be more challenging because your problem is intermittent, and you might have to make a few educated guesses, but you don’t want to just start replacing parts until the car works again, that can get very expensive very quickly. By Contacting Your Mechanic you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your starting problem and let you know what it’s going to take to fix it.