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My 2016 Chrysler Town & Country 3.6L Flex has an intermittent no crank no start condition that I am hoping to get some insight on.
It is always a crap shoot on weather or not the van will start when the key is turned. Sometimes it will start normally, sometimes it will require some random number of key turns to start.
When it does start it runs normally without issue.
When it doesn't start all the appropriate lights light up on the dash and the radio etc all work. The check engine light is not on.
The van has 35,000 miles on it and was originally purchased in Florida and lived it's entire life there and there is not a speck of rust/corrosion on it.
A brand new battery, starter and starter relay have been installed so far.
Thank you
Hi
These intermittent faults are the worst to test and diagnose, you really need to start testing when the fault is present !
The only thing you can do while it is starting ok is to LOAD test the wiring and connectors, perhaps a wiggle test of wiring trying to make it replicate your fault.
In a no start condition, you will need a wiring diagram to understand how the Starter Motor is Activated.
If it is controlled by a module (PCM, BCM etc. ) then a good scan tool and Live Data could be your best friend.
I'm not familiar with non UK cars but am familiar with the technology and I guess the operation is not that different
I think your first task is to find out if the starter relay is being commanded on during the no crank condition.
1. If the relay is being commanded on, yet the engine doesn't crank, then you're chasing a starter circuit issue. Eliminates things like communication issues, immobilizer, inputs, ect.
2. If the relay isn't being commanded on, you're going down what I call the 'permissions' path. Looking at all the boxes that need to be ticked to allow starter operation, and finding out which one is missing.
The control side of the starter relay is energized by the TIPM and the PCM. The TIPM provides power, the PCM provides ground. Both must be present to energize the relay and close the contacts.
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