Wont Start

IntrepidLover · #1 10-16-2005, 02:08 AM

my friend also owns an intrepid, and while driving it one day, it quit on her, and she was never able to get it to start again, it dosn't even try to turn, it dosn't really make any sounds when you turn the key, atleast thats what she has told me, has anyone else had this problem or a problem similar to it?

If so, any suggestions at all would be extremely helpful

Thank you

nickoman01 · #2 10-16-2005, 05:12 AM

i might be the starter or something with the ignition if you don't even hear it make that annoying ass noise when you try to start it.

IntrepidLover · #3 10-19-2005, 07:54 PM

ive been reading some of the other posts about 2nd gen treps, would that sludge problem be able to cause the engine to lock up and not try to turn?

Another question about sludge, does it totally destroy your engine, or does it just make it knock and run bad?

last question, nick, i saw u said you use engine flush, is it expensive, and do you do it yourself? or have a garage do it for you?

nickoman01 · #4 10-19-2005, 08:24 PM

it is like 2.50 at Murray's. just run ti with the old oil for 5 minutes or so then drain all the **** and put synthetic in.

about the sludge i don't know exactly how it messes up the engine, but from what i understand you would hear knocking before it just goes.

IntrepidLover · #5 10-20-2005, 01:33 AM

ok, im just tryin to buff up on trep knowledge, i kinda wanted to buy my friends trep, cause it has less miles than mines, and is in better shape, she said she couldn't get the engine to start, so im tryin to find out if it's at all salvagable, i hope its the starter, i've swapped out about a million starters for my family and its like second nature to me, I've heard other stuff like, it may be a sensor, the computer, or other junk, just puzzles me how it went out while she was driving it, or atleast thats what i gathered from her story, and never started again

consumer guide ranks 2nd gen treps 8/10 in reliability, i never knew they had these type of problems

IntrepidLover · #6 10-21-2005, 08:17 PM

would anyone know about how expensive it would be to have the starter changed, and have the sensors checked in a 99 2.7l trep, i was reading some of the other posts and it seems harder than i one thought

also, i was told, that if it's a computer issue, the price could go up into the thousands to get it fixed, is that true?

shnormo · #7 03-09-2006, 03:08 AM

Do you hear a clicking? Usually it's the starter. We had the same problem... We used a **** load of starter fluid and kept SLOWLY pumping the gas pedal while cranking the engine. Drain the fuel rail after a couple tries to prevent it from flooding. Also shut off the fuel pump by taking the fuse out. http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...P%7C%7ESTARTER That's the starter for your car. Sludge will make the engine knock and like Nick said, it knocks right before it goes. Check the crank bearing, ours were bad thus we got a new engine. By bad I mean cracked. Also it could be the timing chain, these engines are known for those going. If the timing chain is loose or jumped or damaged, it could be the reason why it's not starting. Check the fuses to the ignition coil and starter too.

As far as the oil flush, if you're really cheap, transfluid works too. That's what Valvoline does. We use golden eagle motor flush or gunk. I recomend spending the extra money for golden eagle since it doesn't contain alchol or menthonal thus it doesn't dry out your gaskets. I change Nick's oil and we do that right in our drive way. If you're really concerned with sludge, take it into a shop and ask for a Delux Oil System Cleaner. It's a full gallon... drain your old oil, put a new filter on and pour in the flush. Let it run for 5 minutes and drain it again and put another new filter on and run about a half quart to a quart through the engine to flush out the remaining sludge. How many miles does she have? If her oil pump goes (connected to timing chain) then it has reason to sieze up. Also if she has higher milage and never had a radiator flush, it could have a blown head gasket and leak into the oil pan hydroscopically siezing up the cran k to the bearings. Check into the radiator overflow tank and see if there is oil in the tank.