06 PT Cruiser occasionally won't start

Asked by Wayfinder7 Sep 14, 2023 at 10:57 AM about the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2006 PT Cruiser.  Usually it starts, but sometimes it won't.  It "clicks" when I try to start it, the dash lights come on, but it simply won't start.  If I jump start it, it starts every time.  This doesn't happen all the time, maybe once a week.

I have a NEW BATTERY in it, and it tests out fine.  The Alternator tests out at 15.  Took it to dealer and they came out scratching their heads.  "Could be this, could be that, it's a gamble and is gonna cost ya no matter what you do."  

Thing is, once I get it started it works fine all day.  So what could be causing it to not start in the mornings (regardless of temperature.  Hot, cool, weather doesn't matter).  

Any ideas what might cause this intermittent starting problem when everything on the car checks out fine?

2 Answers

38,915

Make sure the batt terminals are clean and tight , check ignition related fuses for tarnish on the tangs , Look for any obvious wiring problems , ie. corrosion , dampness , customization

1 people found this helpful.
307,225

This really sounds like a voltage drop problem. Try bending the battery cables, if you hear a crunching sound then it time to replace the battery cables as they are internally corroded. Anther possibility is the starter solenoid on the starter, that is why you hear the loud click but nothing happens, unfortunately these are not the rebuildable and the whole starter will need replaced. If you replace the starter do not go cheap or you will be right back in there repeating the job.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Kelly Little Ashford
    Reputation
    4,400
  • #2
    Gypsy Rose
    Reputation
    3,290
  • #3
    docwade931
    Reputation
    2,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chrysler 300
25 Great Deals out of 536 listings starting at $6,898
Used Chevrolet HHR
3 Great Deals out of 13 listings starting at $2,499
Used Dodge Charger
31 Great Deals out of 910 listings starting at $5,995
Used Volkswagen Beetle
18 Great Deals out of 180 listings starting at $1,495
Used Toyota Tacoma
40 Great Deals out of 741 listings starting at $9,975
Used Chrysler Sebring
39 listings starting at $5,977
Used Honda Civic
198 Great Deals out of 4,044 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Camry Solara
19 listings starting at $4,990
Used Dodge Dakota
21 listings starting at $3,995
Used Dodge Durango
55 Great Deals out of 1,893 listings starting at $6,987
Used Dodge Grand Caravan
128 Great Deals out of 2,006 listings starting at $2,995
Used Chevrolet Spark
38 Great Deals out of 577 listings starting at $5,998
Used Chevrolet Corvette
28 Great Deals out of 756 listings starting at $10,989

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.