My Chrysler 300 Won't Start
by Sara McArt
If you are having trouble getting your Chrysler 300 running, don't panic. There is a solid chance that you can diagnose the problem yourself quickly without having to deal with the expense and schedule of a mechanic. In many cases, a starting problem on a vehicle can be caused by a simple electrical problem. This is something that you may even be able to quickly fix yourself after you diagnose the problem.
Step 1
Put the transmission switch of your Chrysler 300 in the park position and apply the emergency break before you attempt to diagnose the car. Turn the ignition switch to attempt to start the car. If the care attempts to start but will not turn over, it is possible that your battery is dead. Test this further by turning on the headlights. If they are dim or unlit, jump start the car. Replace the car battery if a jump start fails.
Step 2
Test the battery cables of the car by moving them back and forth. If your Chrysler 300 will start on occasion but not every time that you try to start it, you could have an electrical short. Tighten the cables to the battery with a battery terminal wrench if they are loose. Look closely at the posts on your battery. Pour a carbonated beverage over them to loosen any corrosion and clean them with a battery terminal cleaner. You want to have the most direct connection to the battery that you can possibly have.
Step 3
Turn the key in the ignition and listen closely for a whirling noise followed by a clicking noise. If these noises exist, there is a chance that you may have a starter problem. Open the hood of the car and locate the air cleaner. Remove the air cleaner with a screwdriver to expose the starter. Tap the starter with a hammer to try to engage the flywheel. If that does not start the vehicle, call a mechanic about replacing the starter on the car.
Step 4
Turn the key in the ignition and feel for the reaction of the ignition switch. If the switch is jammed and will not turn, it may be broken and it will need to be replaced. Stop turning the key if it jams to avoid the risk of breaking it off in the ignition.
References
Things You'll Need
- Battery terminal wrench
- Battery terminal cleaner
- Hammer
- Jumper cables
- Carbonated beverage
- New battery
- Screwdrivers
Writer Bio
Sara McArt has been a freelance writer based in California since 2006. She writes educational materials and performs training seminars in the beauty industry, and focuses her freelance writing towards various websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications from Chico State University.
