hey everyone,
I am having this odd issue with my 2009 Dodge Journey 2.4L. For example, this morning car started no problem at all. No hesitation this morning going to vaccum place to clean it. I drove for 10min and was there parked for maybe another 10 min. Went back Into the car and it wouldnt start. Lights come on showing there's power to everything, Engine Light comes ON. After turning it on/off about 3 or 4 times, it eventually will turn over and I can drive. 5 minutes later i was at a coffee shop, went in came out and it started no issue. Went to visit a friend and was there for about 5 hours, came out to go home and it started. Came home for 3 hours and then went to fill up gas, car started. When I was ready to leave the gas station, car had the same issue. All the lights, stereo, etc.. come ON but cant wont turn over. after trying it for 4 to 5 times, it then came ON and was able to drive.

any ideas?

I had it at the dealership last week and they applied a Firmware/program update to a module that causes this issue. Of course that didnt fix it. I also know that both the dealership and another shop told me the battery may need replacing by next Fall. But if its the battery, then the car would have a hard time starting after being parked for 10+ hours over night. No?

could this be the WIN Module? Key Fob going defective? or just plain battery having a mind of its own?

Here's a video of what happened at the gas station. I took the video after 2 or 3 tries. You notice at the end of the video I reach for the key fob but the car starts on its own after the 5th or so turn but after waiting for couple of seconds.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1n...it?usp=sharing

Thanks

 

Bash_Man,

I'm sorry to hear about the starting issues you're experiencing. I have had a chance to look into this a little further for you. In some cases, the intermittent no start concern can be associated with moisture developing on the Starter Solenoid Connecter. I'm not sure which module you had updated, however, a flash to the WIN module may be available as well.

Keep us posted if you can.

 

thank you. I did contact the dealership where they did the software update and they applied the latest firmware/software updade to the TIPM, which the rep explained to me should send the latest update(s) to all the modules in the car.

the service advisor mentioned that it may be the battery having a weak spot and may not be delivering a full 12V at certain times.

 

Bash_Man,

Thanks for the follow-up. If you haven't already, it may be beneficial to have the dealer test your battery. Dodge dealers have the necessary tools to test your battery and determine its current state. If an issue is present, replacing a battery after 4 or 5 years is not uncommon.

 

Thank you Dave. I had no answer to this one. Glad a Chrysler Specialist is here to assist in situations like this.

 

Thanks Dave. I did have the Dealer shop test the battery and they said it doesn't seem like its holding a 100% charge but I should be able to get through now until the weather starts to get cold again by next fall hopefully. not like winter here in Toronto is giving up any time soon

I just didn't think a battery could do stuff like this. I thought when its dead or cant hold a charge, then it starts to act on regular basis. Not randomly like its been doing. Weird.


Thanks

 

Bash_Man,

The battery, starting and charging systems all work together to to maintain the system. By notifying your dealer and having the diagnosis performed, you have been able isolate an issue with the battery. Be sure to speak with the Service Manager at your dealer for more technical details of how the system functions and the specific issue you have experienced.

 

The 2009 2.4l Journey have a problem with the Starter Signal Terminal contacts, ON the starter under the intake manifold. See if you can wiggle the terminal when it would not start.

 

Thanks. When the issue does occur (it hasnt occured in couple of days now) and I do turn the key, I hear clicking. kinda sounds like a dead battery or low voltage battery but after 2 or 3 turns, it starts.

could that also be band signal terminal contacts?

 

YES. And occasionally, the problem is just a dirty Jumper post terminal that needed to be cleaned, that's why when you hook up the jumper cable, it fires right up.