1996 Intrepid does not start

[Meike]

My (admiditly in bad shape) 96 Intrepid does not start anymore.
It used to run rough (tranny) but fine until I parked it for a couple of months.
After we tried to use it again, it doesn't work. You can turn the key, but nothing happens.
The battery is fine, but no lights come on, nothing. Engine doesn't start. If you leave the keys in though, the overhead lights ARE ON (and that's the only thing).

Anyone any ideas or should I just give this old-timer up?

[teakstone]

Sounds like a starting system problem.

Check the ground cable from battery to engine block.

Listen for the start relay to click when you turn the key to start. If the start relay clicks the prob sis with starter or the wiring to the starter.

If the start relay does not click, it could be the ignition switch, the nearneutral or park switch or, the start relay or asssociate wiring or fiuses.

[dfm3441]

How hard is it to change a starter for a 96 Intrepid?

[pcochenour]

Try a jumpstart. There may be enough juice in the battery to power the interior lights, but not the rest of the car. If the starter turns over with a jump, your battery is too low, possibly bad, but you can take it from there.

Good luck.