I drove 5 minutes to get some groceries and flowers (Valentines day) from the store near our house.
When I got back, the car didn't want to start.

So I left it in their parking lot. I'll come back to it later tonight to see if it starts again so that I can at least drive it back to the house.

It usually takes a few hours (sometimes the whole night).
Nothing else I tried worked (battery, etc.)

This is about the 10th time this happened. It's totally unpredictable.
Then after *hours*, it magically starts. WTF!



Here is the video of it failing today: http://youtu.be/Vm2M3wWF4p8

When I mention this to the dealer they are just clueless to wonder why this happens. My own googling lead me to variations from the WIN module to parking shifter issues and now my dad thinks it could be the starter.

It's just bizarre how one moment the car runs fine (besides the horrible breaks issue, but that's another story); then the next it just dies and won't start.

The *only* hint which might not be audible in the youtube video posted above is that when I leave the car alone for a few minutes and try to start it again, there is a *very* mild "tick, tick, tick, tick" sound for about 2 seconds then it stops.

That's it. And once again I'm stranded. Oh and did I mention my warranty just ran out. :/

 

What engine do you have in your car? 4cyln or 6 cyln?

 

It's a 4 cyl. Stock Dodge Journey, base model.

 

The shifter problem is only for the V6 model with 6 speed trans.
If you suspect the WIN module, it usually start if you cycle the key like 20 times.

there is a TSB 08-027-10 for replacing the Starter Terminal for the 4 cyln engine, i've have luck with it in the past.
here is the part#
05019927AA
from Chrysler dealership.
It is a cheap thing you can try. Just make sure you solder and crimp it real good. If that don't fix it, you probably need a WIN.

 

Thank you for the info.

Is there any other troubleshooting I can try to at least diagnose the next time it happens to pin point whether it is the starter terminal or WIN (or something else) ?

I'm going to start carrying my ODBII unit in the car, but am not convinced it will display anything useful.

 

Nope, a OBD2 scanner is useless.
you can wiggle the Starter solenoid wire, or whack the starter few times to isolate the problem. But the wire is kinda hard to get to, you have to remove the intake box from the throttle body.

The WIN module wise, sometimes the problem is the WIN is NOT seeing the "Start" position from the key.
another thing you can try is turn up the radio and ROLLING down/up the window while you turn the key.
ON some Journey, the Radio or the Window should STOP working for 2 second while your key is in Crank/start position. Because you need the power to engage the starter. try it, even when everything works fine. This will confirm if the computer is getting the "Start" signal from ur Ignition switch/WIN.

 

I got the FOB reprogrammed. Let's see if it helps.

<cross fingers>

 

there has been some probs with the starter solenoid wiring connector at the starter I have took them apart cleaned,crimped it add dielectric grease and and that has solved the problem

 

where is the starter located on the 4 cylinder journey?

 

Old thread - but
Attachment 21334

Attachment 21335

Attachment 21336
I was just going to put in the first picture to show the location, but I thought I'd put in the entire starter removal directions from the (2013 2.4L JC) factory service manual. just ignore if not interested.

See the first picture -
1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove throttle body.
3. Remove starter mounting bolts (1) and negative battery cable (2) from transmission housing (3).
4. Remove starter motor (4) from transmission housing (3).

See the second picture -
5. Position starter to move past the intake manifold.

See the third picture -
6. Remove battery cable nut (5), ignition sense wire (4) and battery cable (1) from solenoid stud.
7. Disconnect electrical connector (3) from starter solenoid (2).
8. Remove starter from vehicle.

NOTE: APPARENTLY I DO NOT HAVE THE CAPABLITY TO ADD PICTURES/DRAWINGS (attachments.) I apologize if the directions without the pictures are confusing.