98 intrepid won't start

My 98 2.7L intrepid is very tempermental when it comes to starting. I never know when or where it won't start. And everytime I take it to the dealership (diagnostic fee) they don't seem to have a clue what the problem is, last time I was there they charged me $100 for for labour (battery clamp change) for a part that was $2.00.

It will start when I jump it and run perfectly for a few days, then it won't even after it has just been driven. A charging systems test reveals nothing. Please help its going to be -40 soon and I want to avoid this happening when I don't expect it

does it give a single click or a series of clicks when you hold the key to the start position?

does it give a single click or a series of clicks when you hold the key to the start position?


Yes 1thunder it does. And the funny thing is when I get a jump and take it to the mechanic, shut it off and restart. It goes. So its hard for them to pinpoint the problem

does it give a single click or a series of clicks when you hold the key to the start position?
usually a series of clicks

usually if you get a series of clicks, it means that the battery connections aren't tight and/or clean. What I found out is at the negative jump start terminal on the right front shock tower, that can get corroded and if the battery has been disconnected, that's the easiest way to do it other than getting down in the right front fenderwell to disconnect battery. Check that jump start terminal and make sure the connections are clean & tight. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have your battery load tested to see if it has the right amount of CCA to start your car when it's cold.

usually if you get a series of clicks, it means that the battery connections aren't tight and/or clean. What I found out is at the negative jump start terminal on the right front shock tower, that can get corroded and if the battery has been disconnected, that's the easiest way to do it other than getting down in the right front fenderwell to disconnect battery. Check that jump start terminal and make sure the connections are clean & tight. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have your battery load tested to see if it has the right amount of CCA to start your car when it's cold.





So I ran that by a mechanic he says "getting a new battery would be the same price as a load test and checking the corrosion on the teminals" because to clean the terminals the wheel and the fender have to come of + labour, so I'm not sure what the next move should be.

i agree with freak if you get e series of clicks your battery is either no good or it's not charging

i agree with freak if you get e series of clicks your battery is either no good or it's not charging


Well I got the terminals cleaned and the positive cable changed and the battery tested (it was fine) and topped up, and for now its running ok, we'll see how long that lasts. The big trouble was getting to the actual battery via the fender an hour and a half labour !! who designed that?

Hello all,

Great thread guys/gals. Right now I'm having the exact same problem on my 99 Intrepid ES. Checked the connections & everything seems tight. New Diehard battery.

I'll check again in a few minutes, but I believe I'm getting a single click. What would a single click mean?

I've also read on the web somewhere that a bad starter solenoid might be the cause. Which I'm told that a new starter would be needed since the solenoid can't be removed & repaired on this starter. On the other hand though......I've read of guys changing the starter & still have the same problem. <sigh.....>

Anyone have next weeks winning Lotto numbers by chance??

Hello all,

Great thread guys/gals. Right now I'm having the exact same problem on my 99 Intrepid ES. Checked the connections & everything seems tight. New Diehard battery.

I'll check again in a few minutes, but I believe I'm getting a single click. What would a single click mean?

I've also read on the web somewhere that a bad starter solenoid might be the cause. Which I'm told that a new starter would be needed since the solenoid can't be removed & repaired on this starter. On the other hand though......I've read of guys changing the starter & still have the same problem. <sigh.....>

Anyone have next weeks winning Lotto numbers by chance??




So it's been 2 weeks since I got the terminals cleaned and one was changed, so far I'm back to liking my intrepid (all is well) it's running like a dream, however the temperatures are mild at the moment we'll see when the mercury dips to -40C. Thank you all for you help

maybe too late for bluestraw but usually a single click is a starter or loose main cable to the starter