Starting Trouble

[Capecrusher]

Have a 2001 Touring Edition with a strange problem. It sometimes won't start. Cranks OK but will not fire. No codes on computer. Strangest part is, it happens mostly AT NIGHT! Driving me nuts. Sometimes weeks with no problems and then BAM! No start. Try again in morning and starts right up. Anyone ever hear of this problem?

[tpscruiser]

Welcome to the forums!
Your problem could be a flakey ignition switch. There are many circuits that connect at different positions of the key. If one of these doesn't make a good connection, the engine may turn over but not get spark and or fuel. The fact that it happens at night could be that the temps are cooler and things contract making the connection worse.

[Capecrusher]

Thanks for the reply. I never thought of the ignition switch but I think that might be the problem. The switch is only about $20 and some time so I'll probably try that. I'll let you know if it works. Nice pix.

[bobs turbo pt]

welcome !!

[quicksilverdon]

Not quite the same symptoms, but I've read a lot of "hard to start" issues. Most of those seem to be helped by:
Put key in, turn to "on".
Listen to "whirring" of electric fuel pump.
When sound stops (a couple of seconds) turn to "start".

TPS could well be correct - you have a lot of "junk" on your keyring? Take it off.
The weight pulls on the lock tumblers.

You don't have original battery do you? On an '01 you ought to be on your second or even third battery. Does it crank over fast or slow?

[Capecrusher]

Not the original battery, but a Mopar. Cranks great starts 97% of the time. Mostly at night, but can happen any time. Don't have a lot of extra baggage on keyring. Going to try the switch change in a couple of days (payday!). Thanks for the reply. All help is appreciated. Have had car for 2 years now. Bought it used with 12000 miles on it. Now has about 27000 miles. Replaced a steering pump pressure switch but other than that no problems. Only normal maint. Cruisers Rock!

[Cartman]

Could be the fuel pump relay starting to go out, or even the immobilizer system failing to read the key correctly.

[Capecrusher]

Replaced ignition switch today. Will report on status.

[prettybluewoody]

(maybe it's just scared of going out in the dark.....)

[Capecrusher]

Well, I got the switch in and I think that might have been the problem. Feels stiffer and car hits REALLY QUICK now. BUT..................... now I have no radio light and I'll see if the panel lights work tonight. ARGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!