06 PT Cruiser occasionally won't start

Asked by Wayfinder7 Sep 14, 2023 at 10:57 AM about the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2006 PT Cruiser.  Usually it starts, but sometimes it won't.  It "clicks" when I try to start it, the dash lights come on, but it simply won't start.  If I jump start it, it starts every time.  This doesn't happen all the time, maybe once a week.

I have a NEW BATTERY in it, and it tests out fine.  The Alternator tests out at 15.  Took it to dealer and they came out scratching their heads.  "Could be this, could be that, it's a gamble and is gonna cost ya no matter what you do."

Thing is, once I get it started it works fine all day.  So what could be causing it to not start in the mornings (regardless of temperature.  Hot, cool, weather doesn't matter).

Any ideas what might cause this intermittent starting problem when everything on the car checks out fine?

40,075

beatupchevy answered about a year ago

Make sure the batt terminals are clean and tight , check ignition related fuses for tarnish on the tangs , Look for any obvious wiring problems , ie. corrosion , dampness , customization

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310,565

Gene answered about a year ago

This really sounds like a voltage drop problem. Try bending the battery cables, if you hear a crunching sound then it time to replace the battery cables as they are internally corroded. Anther possibility is the starter solenoid on the starter, that is why you hear the loud click but nothing happens, unfortunately these are not the rebuildable and the whole starter will need replaced. If you replace the starter do not go cheap or you will be right back in there repeating the job.

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