Starting problem

[tburton]

Hi,

I have a 1996 Chrysler Sebring. Just recently when I try to start it, it does not start. The key will turn and you will hear a clicking sound but the engine will not fire. Then, after I do this a few times it usually starts but you have to give it a little gas. ONce it starts it runs fine. We tested the battery and it is 3/4 charged although I need to clean corrosion off of one of the posts. Also, when I first noticed the problem the clock had reset like the car had lost power at one point. Thanks for your help!

[PashaDNN]

generally a clicking sound means you've got a faulty starter, but you did mention your car losing power, so i'm leaning towards it being battery related. double check the terminals, make sure they're nice and clean, and properly put back into place. if all else fails, i say try boosting your car. if you're pretty sure that your bat is OK, maybe it just needs to get a nice little boost.

[tburton]

Thanks for the reply. We put a new battery in but it still does the same thing. It's like the power isn't getting from the battery to the car sometimes. If we put a charger on it the car will start. A mechanic thought it might have something to do with the ground but thta looks ok. Now I am wondering if it is in the actual key mechanism. A week ago I was having trouble getting the key to come out of the ignition, but we put some lock thaw in there and it got better. This is very preplexing.

[PashaDNN]

so did the lock thaw work?

is everything OK with your starter? i've read in a few places when something like this happens, all it takes is a few soft taps with something sturdy that won't cause any damage (piece of wood, not hammer) If the starter is sticking this may help you get it going.

[tburton]

Yes, the lockthaw seemed to have worked. I'm not sure where the starter is located otherwise Iwould have tried tapping on it. DOes anyone know where the starter is located? Thanks...

[gorgolio]

Starter is rite under your engine (left side of the Oil Filter). I am dealing with the same problem as I write. Any recommendations ?

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[tburton]

Originally Posted by gorgolio

Starter is rite under your engine (left side of the Oil Filter). I am dealing with the same problem as I write. Any recommendations ?

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I found out that my battery cables had gone bad and that was all that was the matter. For some reason they weren't supplying the power from the battery to the starter. It was a pretty cheap fix. Maybe that will help you.

[andrea1982]

i have the same problem with my 1998, we replaced distributor, battery, and crank position sensor and it still wont start??????????????????????????????