Hello, I bought my 98 Avenger ES 2.5L V6 in July, and have had no problems with it aside form replacing pads/tires. But now, all of a sudden, it wont start at all. I first checked the battery, but all my lights and headlights are as powerful as ever, and I even tried jump starting it, but to no avail. So here is what happens. I turn the ignition, and the car cranks, but does not turn over. So I think that would eliminate the starter at least, unless I am wrong, but I think the problem may lie in the fuel. Either fuel pump (which I believe is working becuase I can hear the fuel being pumped to the injectors when I turn the ignition), the fuel pressure, or the fuel filter. Any help would be appriciated. Thank you very much
-Ion

 

What do you mean by cranking, but not turning over???

 

Ok, well actually when I got home today, my car started. My grandfather and brother worked on it all day, they took apart the intake manafold and various other things, surprizingly, none of them seemed to fix the problem. So they just tryed starting it untill it would go. They said it took a while, but now its starting good and everything. The only thing they were worried about was the belts were making a high squeeling noise, which I assumed was just becuase the whole engine was cold, and sat there for a few days in about 34 degree temps. But after the a few seconds the squeel went away.

But does anyone know a solution to the sqeel? Is it somthing I should be worried about?
Thanks,
-Ion

 

I also have an 98 es, but anyways go to autozone or any autoparts store and ask for some belt dressing. that should stop the squealing. As for the car not starting buy some cold start i believe prestone makes it. You add it to your fuel and it helps the car start easier. The cold start has ingredients that are more combustible than regular gasoline. Check to make sure that your fuel line isn't freezing, though it shouldn't be unless the temp gets at least 60 degrees below. Explain more on the not starting problem. Is it actually turning over or is the car making a clicking sound. If it is clicking then you are not supplying enough power to the starter. If you tried jumping it then there should be no problem there. Also check to make sure that the battery terminals aren't corroded. if they are you can buy a cheap tool that fits over the terminal to clean it. I had a problem where I went to the bank and about 10 mins later I got back in my car and it wouldn't start. I cleaned off the corrosion and it started perfectly.

 

More than likely it was just cold belts. Squealing can be caused from improper tension (to loose OR to tight) To tight will cause premature wear all pully bearings the belt crosses. ie, tensioner, alternator, idler etc. The belts are probabaly stock, unless you have replaced them, they could be starting to get "hard" which can cause squealing. If it (the squeal) persists, you may want to look at replacing them.

*edit: What blink said about the corroded terminals is true. All of your accessories may still work fine, but the corrosion may not give enough power for it to turn over. The belt dressing is a good temporary fix also.

 

Hye thanks alot guys. Ill check into the dressing, and even replacing the belts (second owner, dont know what they did, or didnt do..)

As for the car not starting... well all that happened was that it was acting more like it was flooded then anything, but I know that wasnt the problem. The car was trying to start, it was cranking (best way to describe it is the starter was trying to start, the plugs were fireing, but it seemed like no gas was avaliable, so the engine wouldnt kick over) and it would fire once or twice, but not enough to keep the engine going, almost like there was just a little gas getting in. But, I dont know whats going on, its working fine right now, I went and took it for a drive, and started great, like brand new.

So... ill keep everyone updated, and come back if I have more problems (which, as a car owner, I know I will eventually... :/) Next semi-problem is that my trans is leaking a little bit, but I might have a dodge mechanic come by on friday to check it out (its great to have a friend whos dad is a dodge mechanic )

Again, thank you everyone for your help.
-Ion

 

You might want to check into getting the trans fluid changed. That was the first thing i did when i bought my car. If you did that then the seal would need to be replaced and that might be the problem.