Won't start periodically. Does not turnover

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69cudaownr

69cudaownr

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My 318 occasionally will not start. I don't even get a click when I turn the key which I thought I might get if it were a starter problem. Instead it is silent, there is power as gauges move and lights come on with the turn of the key. The frustrating part is that it has happens once every 5 -10 times I drive the car. The battery connections are tight. I would say it happens more often when hot. But it has happened when cold too.
It will start if I pop the clutch. Does that mean it is the starter alone or should I be looking elsewhere?
 
If all terminals are clean, next try changing out the starter relay.....I had the same EXACT problem and it was the starter relay...only about 15.00 and can be changed in about 3 minutes....If that doesn't work probably the ignition switch in the column......
 
Look at bulkhead connector. Look for melted plastic and melted wires. :burnout:MT
 
Also consider ignition switch if the other fails. Just changed on my 72. Didn't see the popping the clutch thing and then it starts until just now...so ignore what I said there and check your ground wires.
 
69cudaownr said:
My 318 occasionally will not start. I don't even get a click when I turn the key which I thought I might get if it were a starter problem. Instead it is silent, there is power as gauges move and lights come on with the turn of the key. The frustrating part is that it has happens once every 5 -10 times I drive the car. The battery connections are tight. I would say it happens more often when hot. But it has happened when cold too.
It will start if I pop the clutch. Does that mean it is the starter alone or should I be looking elsewhere?
Click to expand...

Is this a stick or automatic. The LAST thing I would do is "go buy parts" Learn to troubleshoot then you KNOW the first round.

If it's a stick, make certain the starter relay is grounded.

If it's an auto, "work" the shifter from P to N as you hold the key in "start" and listen for a reaction.

Learn to listen CLOSELY. Open the window or hood if you must. Listen for the small "click" the starter relay makes. If that happens and it does not start, and least you know the relay is activating.

When the trouble is showing, clip a meter or test lamp to the starter relay "push on" terminal which is the start wire coming from the ignition switch. See if you are getting power there. If so, and no relay action, THEN replace the relay.
 
Yeah, what Del said.
Does pop the clutch mean push-start? Or literally sidestep the pedal?
I have seen corrosion build up between the starter and the bellhouse to the point that the starter is no longer grounded. It's happened to me several times over my Mopar owning lifetime, on several different cars. I've never had to replace the relay in 45 years.Clean the terminals yes, replace no.
 
As said (1) seperate/clean the bulkhead halves (2) I'd permanently ground the "grn" terminal on the starter relay
 
Thanks to all. I will troubleshoot it completely the next time it happens. I went the weekend without an issue.
To clarify for some, it is a standard and will start if I roll it and then let the clutch out.

Greg
 
bbrroowwnn said:
if all terminals are clean, next try changing out the starter relay.....i had the same exact problem and it was the starter relay...only about 15.00 and can be changed in about 3 minutes....if that doesn't work probably the ignition switch in the column......
Click to expand...

x2
 
When it happens, wiggle the wires at the bulkhead connector. Like the guys mentioned, they are notorious for bad connections. There's a good chance that's where the problem is.
 
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