So I've got everything hooked up after replacing thev6 w/ a good junkyard engine. Turn the key and nothing but a few relay (not starter solenoid) clicks.

I bench-tested the solenoid& starter and they're fine. I checked the engine & transmission grounds and they're fine. The battery is fully charged. The dash / trouble lights all work, as do headlights - for what it's worth. I thought about the transmission safety switch, but that's all.

I've about had it with this POS. [:@] I did basically the same thing with a '96 Audi, turned the key, and drove off. (I did it with no repair manual, too BTW). I'm not new to this, but this Stratus has some of the worst design and packaging I've ever seen under the hood. Component placement, fastener location/access...geez.

That said, any suggestions would be appreciated. If it was running, I would seriously consider any suggestions of driving it off a bridge or into a tree.

 

check for fuel pressure /no fuel pressure the asd relay engages ....

 

What about the wiring for the transmission that would cause no-start? There are two places:

1. The transmission range sensor that provides ground for the starter motor relay.

2. The transmission control module interface for IGN (ST) and PN SW SENSE.

I don't think I heard the fuel pump come on, either, though. Is there anything in the start circuit that would keep the fuel pump from coming on? It looks like the powertrain control module has a fuel pump interface: FUEL PMP RLY CTRL. I'm guessing that doesn't come on unless the car thinks it's in park or neutral.

I also have the auto-stick transmission, so my transmission connectors are different than the 41TE. It looks like I have some fishing to do.

 

Well, it's the wire from the starter relay to the starter solenoid. I pulled the starter relay and checked wires coming and going, and isolated the starter wire. It showed open circuit when tested, and the starter cranked when I temporarily patched in a jumper wire. I just wanted to confirm, and it did.

So tomorrow I will run a replacement line from the relay to the starter. Any ideas as to where to run it? Should I bite the bullet and run the wire thru the existing sleeve or take the easy way with an alternate separate route?

Anyhow, I'm glad I've finally got the motor turning over. But it's still a POS.

 

I'd loosen the wrap and use the old wire to pull the new wire thru

 

Yes, I was thinking I would bite the bullet and do it right.

 

Wire installed. Car starts & runs good. I was low several quarts in the transmission, but now it will go in both drive & reverse. It doesn't shift, though. I put another quart in (still low), and hope this is all it needs.

Anyone have similar experience after transmission filter & fluid replacement?

 

if it stays in second it may be in "limp mode" meaning it has tranny issues

 

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. But I think the tranny is fine, just needs reset. I think it went into limp mode while low on fluid after restart. It's full of fluid now.

How do I reset the transmission computer?

 

I'd try the normal unplug battery for 10 minutes and reconnect