2016 journey won't start

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Dodge Journey Won’t Start: Simple Guide to Causes and Fixes

Your Dodge Journey won’t start because it’s experiencing faults such as a clogged gasoline filter, a failed spark plug, or other car issues.

In this complete guide, you will learn why Dodge vehicles may not start when the ignition is turned on and how to fix the issue, so let’s start with the causes!

JUMP TO TOPIC

• 1.1 – Damaged Car Battery
• 1.2 – Failing Alternator
• 1.3 – Defective Starter
• 1.4 – Blocked Fuel Filter
• 1.5 – Defective Fuel Pump
• 1.6 – Corroded Battery
• 1.7 – Defective Remote Car Starter Battery
• 1.8 – Damaged Fuse
• 1.9 – Bad Spark Plugs
• 2.1 – Change the Alternator
• 2.2 – Install a New Battery
• 2.3 – Remove Corrosion From the Battery
• 2.4 – Install New Spark Plugs
• 2.5 – Change the Starter Motor
• 2.6 – Fix the Gasoline Filter
• 3.1 – Can a Dodge Journey Be Manually Started?
• 4 Can a Powertrain Malfunction Cause My Dodge Journey to Not Start?
• 5 Conclusion

What Are the Reasons Why Your Dodge Journey Won’t Start?

The reasons your Dodge Journey won’t start are a damaged car battery, a failing alternator, a defective starter, a corroded battery, and a clogged gasoline filter. Other possible causes include a faulty pump, a blown fuse, rodent damage, and bad spark plugs.

– Damaged Car Battery

Your car won’t start if you have a damaged or dead battery. If you have a dead battery, you won’t hear any sounds when you use the key normally inside the ignition. In most cases, weather-related issues drain a car battery. If the car battery is affected by extreme heat or cold, it can destroy or kill the battery and prevent your vehicle from starting.

Once you suspect the battery may be damaged or dead, you should confirm by testing the battery. Use a multimeter or hydrometer to check the DC voltage of the battery. If the reading is less than 1 volt for a 9-volt battery, it means the battery is dead.

– Failing Alternator

If you have inspected the battery and discovered that it isn’t the source of the problem, the next component to check is the alternator. The alternator is an integral component of the vehicle’s internal combustion engine that charges the battery while the engine runs. The alternator converts chemical energy to electrical energy for charging and replenishing the vehicle’s battery and other electrical components.

Thus, if the alternator stops working, the battery will eventually die. You can test if your vehicle’s alternator works using a multimeter to measure the battery’s voltage while the engine runs. If the multimeter gives a low voltage, the alternator is not working correctly.

– Defective Starter

Another reason why your car will refuse to start is if the starter is defective. The starter is the component that turns the engine over when you use the ignition. Although the average lifespan of a starter motor is between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, it can break down if the vehicle has been used for a long time.

You can test if your starter is in good condition by using a multimeter to measure the voltage of the starter with the key in the start position. If the multimeter reads a low voltage, the starter is failing and should be fixed soon. Also, you can detect a bad starter if the key makes a clicking sound when you turn it to start the engine.

– Blocked Fuel Filter

The gasoline filter is the vehicle component that prevents dirt and rust particles from mixing with the fuel so they don’t damage the engine. Although the filter doesn’t wear out like other mechanical parts, it can become clogged by dirt, dust, or airborne particles. When these materials block the filter, its permeability will drastically reduce. Thus, the fuel pressure will reduce as well.

While the engine can still work if the gasoline filter is clogged, there is a stage where the filter gets too dirty and the engine won’t function correctly. A dirty filter often causes ignition difficulty because it depletes the fuel supply going into the engine. In some cases, the blocked gasoline filter will cause the engine not to start when the key is turned in the ignition.

– Defective Fuel Pump

The fuel pump of your Dodge vehicle is responsible for conveying the right amount of fuel to the engine at a certain pressure. So, if the pump fails, the engine will not start. One of the common causes of pump failure is wear and contamination. Also, if a power contact is broken or the pump lever is damaged, the pump will malfunction.

However, before the pump stops working, it will give you signs. Symptoms like the engine breaking down regularly, the car experiencing difficulty starting, and the engine jerking indicate that you have a failing pump, which you should fix immediately.

– Corroded Battery

If there is corrosion on your battery’s contacts, it can lead to loss of contact and reduced current flow, affecting the engine’s operation. The engine will no longer start properly when a battery has become corroded. Corrosion on the battery can prevent the engine from starting when the key is turned in the ignition.

To test if a corroded battery is causing the vehicle’s starting problems, you should investigate the battery’s contacts. Next, raise the rubber covers on the battery terminals and check for signs of corrosion. If you see white or silvery-green deposits on the terminals, that strongly indicates corrosion.

– Defective Remote Car Starter Battery

If your Dodge Journey uses a push start/stop button to turn on the ignition and is not starting, the problem may be due to a weak key fob battery. A weak battery renders the key fob inoperative and cannot start the vehicle. More so, if the battery is weak, the door will stop opening or closing at the push of a button.

Nevertheless, you can still start the vehicle because the battery only transmits the signal for locking and unlocking. The car must be started manually using the key, and the same applies to the doors.

– Damaged Fuse

Sometimes, a damaged fuse could be why your Dodge Durango is not starting when you turn the key. If one or more fuse inside the box is blown, the engine will not start. This is because fuses limit the electrical current flowing through wires to protect specific components. In other words, the fuse box protects the electronics within the vehicle.

If the fuse has a problem, it could affect the ignition relay, which is located inside the fuse box. The ignition relay transfers electricity from the battery to the ignition components so that you can start the car quickly, so it would help if you inspected all the fuses inside the fuse box for signs of damage.

– Bad Spark Plugs

Spark plugs provide the spark of electricity that ignites the combustion needed to start the vehicle. If the spark plugs are inoperative or damaged , the car will not start. Typically, the spark plugs are not affected by a defect. Instead, the problem lies with the plug connections on the ignition system.

If any plug connections come loose, the vehicle will not start, and the only remedy is to tighten it. Defective or failed spark plugs will prevent the car from starting, so they should be fixed.

How To Fix Your Dodge Journey’s Starting Problem?

You can fix your Dodge Journey’s starting problem by changing the alternator, installing a new battery, cleaning corrosion from the battery, and changing the starter. Other remedies to the problem are cleaning the gasoline filter, replacing the filter, and installing new spark plugs.

– Change the Alternator

To fix a defective alternator, discard it and replace it with a new one. First, disconnect the battery and loosen the bolts that hold the alternator in place to replace the failing alternator. Take out the old alternator and install the new unit in its place. Then reconnect the battery and start the ignition to check if the alternator works correctly.

– Install a New Battery

If your car battery is dead, jumpstarting won’t work. Your only option is replacing it with a new battery. You can carry out the replacement yourself by using a socket wrench set and screwdriver. First, locate the battery under your vehicle’s hood to perform this operation.

After that, disconnect the negative and positive cables from the battery’s terminals. While doing this, ensure both terminals don’t touch each other because it will cause an electrical spark. Next, gently remove the old battery then install the new unit by connecting the cables to the battery. Test the battery by starting the engine.

– Remove Corrosion From the Battery

To fix a corroded battery, you will have to remove the corrosion from the battery. This will require you to remove the poles from the battery. The first step is to unplug the black cable from the negative pole and remove the red positive pole cable. After removing the battery, you can start cleaning the terminals.

As a precaution, when using metal pliers to remove a cable from the pole clamp, ensure you don’t touch any other vehicle parts. Once you clean the terminals, reconnect the battery and test it.

– Install New Spark Plugs

You’ll need to replace bad spark plugs with new ones for the engine to start. To replace the spark plug, first remove the plug wire and the coil-on-plug (COP) attached to the spark plug end. Next, unscrew the plug with a spark plug socket. Put the new spark plug in place and reconnect the plug wires and COP. Start the engine to test the spark plug.

– Change the Starter Motor

If the starter is the reason why your vehicle is not starting, then you should replace it with a new one. You will need a socket set and ratchet to remove the starter from the car. The first step is disconnecting the negative battery cable so you won’t experience any electrical shock while working on the starter. Then locate the starter, usually near the front of the engine on the passenger side.

After locating the starter, use the socket to loosen the two bolts holding it. Then carefully pull out the old starter from the engine and install the new starter in its place. Retighten the bolts to secure the starter and reconnect the negative battery cable. Test the new starter by turning the key in the ignition.

– Fix the Gasoline Filter

You can fix a dirty gasoline filter by cleaning it. To clean the filter, you must first locate it because the location varies for different vehicles. Also, ensure no fuel is exposed to the spray by using a clamp on the hose. Place a container under the filter to catch all the remaining fuel.

Insert a hose inside the detached filter and spray it with a special liquid so everything inside flows out. After spraying, dry the filter for about an hour, then install it back into position. However, cleaning is no longer possible if the filter is fully clogged. You will have to replace it.

Frequently Asked Question

– can a dodge journey be manually started.

Yes, a Dodge Journey can be manually started if the fob is dead. Turn the fob over to reveal a latch at the top back of the fob. Slide the latch to the side to remove the key and use the key you removed to unlock the door.

Can a Powertrain Malfunction Cause My Dodge Journey to Not Start?

A powertrain malfunction can indeed prevent your Dodge Journey from starting. Whether it’s due to a faulty transmission, engine, or other powertrain component, fixing powertrain malfunctions is crucial to restore functionality. Proper diagnosis by a qualified mechanic is necessary to identify the root cause and undertake the appropriate repairs. Don’t delay getting professional help to resolve the issue promptly.

Having read through this guide, you should know why your Dodge Journey refuses to start and how to fix the problem.

Here’s a summary of what we have discussed:

• The remedy for a dead or damaged battery is to replace it with a new unit.
• A failing alternator will keep the vehicle from starting, so you should replace it with a new one.
• A defective starter will cause the vehicle to produce clicking noises when the key is turned in the ignition, and it should be replaced with a new one.
• You can fix a clogged gasoline filter by cleaning out the dirt or replacing it with a new unit.

With the tips we’ve covered, you can fix any of these common issues and help your Dodge Journey start today!

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• Electrical, Battery & Charging

16 Journey Won't Start-Lots of Error Messages

By ChopperMN July 8, 2020 in Electrical, Battery & Charging

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My 2016 Journey RT didn't start this morning.  All electrical came on, but brake pedal was VERY stiff and nothing happened when start button was pushed.  I tried the popular press the start button 5 times fix, which didn't work and took kids car to work.  Later more craziness; screen read park assist off, then park assist problem, then key not present and wouldn't let me use any start button functions.  Then got the fob to be recognized and every time I tired to depress the still stiff brake pedal and press start button, the gauges would re-set.  Battery is full, so that's not the problem.  Can't get the shifter out of park, so can't try the go to neutral fix.  WTH? Appreciate any help.

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Are you sure the battery is good?  These cars are VERY voltage sensitive.  Just because the gauges/lights come on doesn’t mean the battery is good.  NOW, if you have properly load tested the battery with a modern battery tester and the printout says it’s charged and good, the next step would be the starter.  That may mean removing it to get it checked, but check the battery and see from there....let us know

• jkeaton and Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice

What he said.

The battery in my 2016 failed at 2 years. All the lights worked and it threw all kinds of crazy error messages.

Started twice with a jump. The second time, drove it to the dealer. One dead cell in battery. Replaced under warranty and has been fine since.

• OhareFred and jkeaton

Battery is bad, jump it off if you can and take it to a parts store to have a LOAD test done on it, not just checking the voltage with a meter,,also if its the OEM battery replace with out even checking it.................

14 hours ago, OhareFred said: Are you sure the battery is good?  These cars are VERY voltage sensitive.  Just because the gauges/lights come on doesn’t mean the battery is good.  NOW, if you have properly load tested the battery with a modern battery tester and the printout says it’s charged and good, the next step would be the starter.  That may mean removing it to get it checked, but check the battery and see from there....let us know

Thanks, I did put it on a charger and within 15 minutes it read full, but I'll get it tested.

16 hours ago, ChopperMN said: My 2016 Journey RT didn't start this morning.  All electrical came on, but brake pedal was VERY stiff and nothing happened when start button was pushed.  I tried the popular press the start button 5 times fix, which didn't work and took kids car to work.  Later more craziness; screen read park assist off, then park assist problem, then key not present and wouldn't let me use any start button functions.  Then got the fob to be recognized and every time I tired to depress the still stiff brake pedal and press start button, the gauges would re-set.  Battery is full, so that's not the problem.  Can't get the shifter out of park, so can't try the go to neutral fix.  WTH? Appreciate any help.

Jump worked, so off to get a battery.

1 hour ago, ChopperMN said: Thanks, I did put it on a charger and within 15 minutes it read full, but I'll get it tested.

Jump worked. Off to get a battery.?

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Dodge Journey: Clicking Noise But Won’t Start – How to Fix Fast

Does your Dodge Journey have lights that come on and a clicking noise when you turn the key, but it won’t start? This article is meant to help you diagnose this exact scenario.

The good news is that this is a fairly common no-start situation and is usually pretty easy to repair.  A weak battery is the most common cause of no start and a clicking sound.

Quick Diagnosis Chart

Here we’ve listed a few things that can help you narrow down why your Journey clicks but doesn’t start.

Did the Battery Light Come on While Driving?

An alternator that hasn’t charged the battery enough to provide sufficient voltage for the next start can cause your vehicle to click but not start, even if the lights are still on. 

The battery or alternator light coming on while driving is good anecdotal evidence that the alternator has gone bad. It’ll usually come on when your Dodge Journey’s charging system voltage drops below 13.5 volts .

If your Journey’s battery or alternator light came on while driving the last time it ran, and now it won’t start, that’s a strong indication that your vehicle’s alternator couldn’t charge the battery enough. 

You can test it with a multimeter (see below).  

Is it Clicking or Clunking?

If you hear a single clunk when you turn the key, it can still be the battery, but it’s more likely a starter.  A series of rapid clicks is usually battery related.

Try this First

Turn everything off that requires electricity in your Journey.  Every electrical system draws amperage from the battery.  If it’s just a little too low on juice to crank the starter, you might be able to turn your vehicle over by temporarily disabling the following:

• Automatic headlights
• Climate control
• Dome light (just make sure the door is closed)

No Start But Lights Come On/Clicking Causes

A weak battery is the most common cause of a no-start and clicking condition in the Dodge Journey.  We’ve listed the causes and things you can check in an order you can check in a parking lot if you’re stranded.

1. Loose or Corroded Battery Posts/Terminals (Likely)

The first thing you should do is check the battery cables at the terminals.  The terminals are what connect the battery to your vehicle’s starter and wiring harness.

Loose Battery Terminal

Tools needed: Wrench

If your battery terminals aren’t corroded, grab them one at a time and see if they wiggle.  They shouldn’t move at all.  If they wiggle, they’ll need to be tightened.  

If you’re stranded without a wrench, push down and twist the loose terminal.  Now, try starting your Journey.  Repeat this process a few times until you can get it to bite and start.  Once you get home, tighten the terminal properly.

Corroded Battery Terminal/Posts

Tools needed: Wire brush, Wrench, Gloves

CAUTION: Battery acid can burn the eyes and skin, proceed at your own risk

If your Journey’s battery posts are corroded, you’ll need to clean them off enough to get back on the road.  

How to Clean a Battery Terminal

• You’ll need a wrench to loosen the terminal(s).  Always start by taking off your vehicle’s negative terminal first .  Make sure not to touch your wrench to both terminals at one time (you’ll get zapped).  Don’t let the wrench hit bare metal when taking off the positive terminal (zapped).  
• Next, move on to the post.  You can use a wire brush or sandpaper if you’ve got some around.  Most gas stations sell battery post cleaners or wire brushes.
• Put the newly cleaned positive terminal back on first, then move to the ground side.

Once the corrosion is cleaned, put the battery terminals back on the posts and see if your Journey starts.  If it does, make sure to let it run for a bit just in case the battery isn’t fully charged before shutting your vehicle off.

2. Battery Insufficiently Charged (Most Common Cause)

An insufficiently charged battery is the number one reason your Dodge Journey is clicking but refuses to start.  When this happens, either the battery is bad and can’t hold a charge, or the alternator isn’t charging it enough.

A battery’s main job is to provide enough electricity to power the starter motor.  Once your vehicle has started, the alternator can provide enough voltage to run everything.

Your Journey’s battery voltage can get too low to turn the starter over, even if it is still powering the lights. A parasitic battery drain can also cause the battery to drain.

Testing the Battery

You can test your vehicle’s battery, or you can have it tested.  Here’s how to test it with a multimeter:

• Set the multimeter to volts and touch the negative and positive terminals.
• With the engine off, a healthy battery should read at or north of 12.6 volts.
• After jumping your Journey (see below), the voltage should read somewhere between 13.5 and 14.5 volts.  If it’s lower than that, the alternator is probably bad.

If you don’t have a multimeter available, you can take your battery to the local parts store, and they’ll test it for free.  You’ll have to pull it and have someone run it up there with you.  It takes a little while, they’ll charge it for you and see if it holds a charge.  Be prepared to wait a bit.

How to Jump Start Your Journey

If you believe your battery is too low to start your vehicle, jump starting it will get you back on the road. Here’s how to do it:

• Connect to the positive terminals first : Connect the red jumper cable to your vehicle’s positive battery terminal, then connect the other end to the running vehicle’s positive battery terminal.
• Connect to the negative terminals : Connect the black jumper cable to your vehicle’s ground terminal. Then connect the other ground wire to a good ground source on the running vehicle. There’ll usually be a spot close to the battery labeled ground. Any engine or accessory bolt that’s clean will usually work fine. The ground on the running vehicle’s battery will technically do the job too, but there’s a small chance that hooking up this way can start a fire at the battery, so don’t do it.
• Do nothing : Let the battery charge for a few minutes.
• Engage your Journey’s Starter : If it seems like it’s acting differently (flashing less or trying to start), adjust the jumper cable contacts and let it charge some more.
• Remove the jumper cables : Reverse the process.

3. Faulty Starter Motor (Somewhat Likely)

After you’ve confirmed that the battery voltage is OK and the battery terminals are tight and corrosion free, the next most likely cause of a clicking noise and no start condition is a bad starter motor.

A bad starter will usually make more of a clunk than a click when turning the key forward.

If you’re stranded, you can always take a hammer to the starter and see if that’ll get it to turn over. 

4. Bad Ground Connection to the Starter

Your Journey’s starter uses a strong ground cable that should be securely bolted to the engine.  If the connection has gotten weak due to corrosion, melting, or rodent damage, the vehicle won’t be able to start.

A quick visual inspection will quickly tell you if anything is wrong and only takes a few seconds.

Conclusion: Dodge Journey Clicking and Won’t Start

A dead battery is the most common cause of a clicking sound and no start in the Dodge Journey.  Checking the battery cables is something that you can do on the spot and fast. 

If you have to jump-start your vehicle, make sure to drive it straight to a place that will test your car’s battery.  Otherwise, it might not start again when you park.

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Home » Troubleshooting » Dodge Journey dashboard lights flicker and won’t start – causes and how to fix it

Dodge Journey dashboard lights flicker and won’t start – causes and how to fix it

Flickering dashboard lights in Dodge Journey when attempting to start the engine might seem like a major malfunction has occurred, but in the majority of cases it’s not a serious cause for concern.

The most common causes for flickering dashboard lights and no engine crank in Dodge Journey are weak battery, corrosion on battery terminals, and bad ground connection.

1. Weak battery

The leading cause of flickering dashboard lights and no start in Dodge Journey is weak battery. You may also hear rapid clicking noise when you try to start the engine. If there isn’t enough charge in the battery to power the starter motor, and you try to crank the engine, the battery voltage will get so low that it can’t properly power the lights, accessories and of-course the starter.

Symptom: Rapid clicking sound

How to test the battery in journey.

The easiest method to check the 12v battery in Journey is by measuring the voltage with a multimeter. A healthy battery should have 12.6 volts or more when fully charged. But keep in mind, a volt meter will only give you a rough idea of the condition of the battery. Sometimes a battery showing over 12.4 volts may not be able to supply enough current to crank the engine.

Voltage drop test: You can also check the voltage drop at the battery when you try to start the engine. If the voltage drops too much, below 10 volts, your battery doesn’t have enough charge to start the engine. This can happen due to internal degradation of the battery, if the vehicle has been sitting for a long time, or if the alternator in your Journey has malfunctioned and not charging the battery properly.

How to jump start Journey

To rule out dead battery, your best course of action is to jump start your Journey using jumper cables and a healthy battery from another vehicle, or using a battery booster if available. Requirements: The engine of both the vehicles should be off, and the transmission in Park.

• Connect the red cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery in Journey.
• Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of donor battery.
• Connect the black cable to the negative terminal of donor battery.
• Finally connect the other end of the black cable to any bare unpainted metal part of the body or engine of your Journey. Safety warning: Connecting black cable directly to the negative terminal of Journey battery can ignite flammable gases from the battery due to sparks.
• Start your Journey.
• Remove the cables in the reverse order.

Warning: There is always a risk of burning up the alternator or other electrical components if the engine of the donor battery vehicle is running during jump start. Therefore it is recommended to keep the engine of the donor vehicle off when jump starting your Journey.

Recommended video

2. Poor battery connection

It is possible the battery in your Dodge Journey is in good health, but the current flow is interrupted due to loose electrical connection, damaged wire, or corrosion on the battery terminals.

Corrosion on battery terminals

Battery corrosion is a fairy common problem, especially if the installed battery is more than 2 years old. Corrosion occurs when the battery acid reacts with the metal terminals which can lead to loss of contact and reduced current flow. If there isn’t enough current flow to crank the engine, the dashboard lights may flicker and you may also hear clicking noise from the starter solenoid when you try to start the engine.

Check battery terminals

To know if your Journey starting problems are from dirty battery terminals, you need to investigate them. Lift the plastic covers over the terminals and check for any signs of corrosion. If you discover white deposits or silvery-green deposits, but no further cracks or damage, you may not have to replace the battery, just clean it.

Clean the battery terminals

Quick cleaning: There is a neat little trick with which you can clean corrosion on the battery terminals of your Journey in under a minute. Pour hot boiling water over the corroded terminals and the corrosion will just melt away. Do one terminal at a time and don’t let water puddle on the top of the battery touch both terminals at the same time, this can short the battery.

Thorough cleaning: To thoroughly clean the battery in your Dodge Journey, you have to remove the terminal cables first, which requires no special knowledge, just a little concentration, as the order is very important. First remove the black cable from the negative terminal using a wrench or a plier. Next you can unplug the red positive terminal cable. Be careful not to touch both terminals with your metal tool, it will be one expensive mistake. Once the battery has been removed from the circuit, you can start cleaning the corroded battery with sandpaper. After cleaning, reconnect the cables in reverse order, positive first, then negative.

3. Bad ground connection

What is a ground connection.

The negative terminal of the battery is connected to the body/chassis of Journey, called a ground connection. The engine also requires a ground connection to function, but the way the engine is mounted, it does not allow the electric current to flow between the engine and the body (due to non-conductive rubber insulated engine mounts). For this purpose, a ground strap/wire is used to connect the engine and the chassis.

What happens when the ground connection goes bad?

If the ground connection of the chassis or the engine goes bad in your Journey due to rust or corrosion, you will face all sorts of electrical issues, including clicking noises, flickering dashboard lights, and no start problem. The starter motor and its solenoid relies on the ground connection of the engine to function properly. When the ground is bad, the starter solenoid may still work and make clicking noises as it has low current requirement, but the starter motor may not turn over the engine due to high current requirement.

How to check if the ground connection is good?

You can check the quality of the ground connection in Journey by doing a conductivity test between the negative terminal of the battery and the chassis/body of the vehicle and the engine. Take a multimeter, change its settings to ohms symbol. Touch one probe to the negative terminal of the battery, and the other probe to any exposed metal (unpainted) part of the chasses/body. The reading should be at or very close to zero ohms. Do the same between the negative terminal of the battery and any exposed metal part of the engine.

Inspect the ground connections

If the conductivity test fails, check the condition of the ground connections in your Journey. Inspect the connectors of the ground cables (battery to body, body to engine) for any signs of rust or corrosion. Clean the contacts with a sandpaper.

There are many reasons why your Dodge Journey dashboard lights flicker and won’t start. When looking for the reason, you should start with the most obvious causes that are easy to diagnose: weak battery, and poor electrical connection.

In any case, it is advisable for laypersons to visit a workshop. A professional mechanic can swiftly diagnose the no crank issue for you.

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Dodge Journey Won’t Start – What Could Be Wrong?

• July 10, 2023
• Journey Maintenance/Troubleshooting

It can be tough to make it to your destination if your Dodge Journey doesn't start. But, unless you are savvy with vehicle mechanics, it can be frustrating to figure out what could be wrong on your own. That's why we have researched the Dodge Journey for you in this article to help pinpoint the culprit!

If your Dodge Journey doesn't start, it could be due to one or more of the following issues:

• Dead battery
• Faulty alternator
• Dead key fob
• Bad starter motor
• Faulty starter solenoid
• Bad starter relay
• Bad computer
• Worn spark plugs
• Bad fuel pump
• Clogged fuel filter
• Bad fuel injectors
• Faulty immobilizer

We get it; that is an intimidating list of possible reasons why your Journey isn't starting! However, to help troubleshoot the issue, it is essential to understand the functions of each part and how they play a part in starting your vehicle. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each car part and its purposes. In addition, we will discuss how much a new starter will cost and the warning signs of a failing alternator, so read on!

Dodge Journey Won't Start—What Could Be Wrong?

The Dodge Journey is no different from any vehicle makes and model that you will have issues with at some point. Vehicles are depreciated machines, which means parts will break and need to be replaced as they are used.

With that being said, what could be wrong with your Dodge Journey causing it not to start? Let's take the most common causes of this problem:

Dead Battery

A dead battery is a principal reason why a Dodge Journey won't start. The battery in the car provides the initial spark to get your car going, and if it dies, there will be no hope of getting your vehicle running again until you charge up the battery with jumper cables.

In addition, check to see if your battery terminals are corroded. If they are, then they will need to be cleaned and then reconnect the battery cables. While doing this, make sure the cables are secure on the terminals and not loose.

If you try charging and jumpstarting the battery but still can't get the Journey to start, then take the battery out and take it to an auto parts store. They will be able to test the battery and determine if you need to replace it.

Dead Key Fob

A faulty key fob will also keep your Journey from starting. If the essential fob battery dies, it cannot emit the signals to start the car. If the battery and alternator are fine, take out the key fob battery and replace it. The batteries for these key fobs aren't expensive and are an easy way to fix the problem!

Bad Starter Motor

A bad starter motor is another common reason why your Dodge Journey won't start. Again, this can be due to lack of maintenance, but the starter will wear out and stop working correctly or entirely fail over time.

Usually, bad starters will make a clicking or a grinding noise. However, if the three parts mentioned above are working correctly, it could be a starter motor issue.

Faulty Starter Solenoid

A starter solenoid is a small box that connects to the starter. It has two parts – one part attaches to the car's battery, and the other end attaches to the starter motor.

The job of a starter solenoid is to pass power from the battery to the starter motor when you turn your key in the ignition switch. When a starter solenoid fails, it will cause starting problems that generally include the car not starting when hot or even when cold.

Bad Starter Relay

A starter relay is part of the starting system. It receives a signal from the ignition switch to initiate power to the solenoid so that it can start your Journey. But, just like the starter solenoid, when it fails, it will not send power to the solenoid, and thus your Journey won't start.

Bad Computer

A computer is also known as the ECM (electronic control module) or PCM (powertrain control module). You can take these parts for granted, but they are essential to your vehicle. A computer helps run all the systems in your car, and without it, you won't be able to get very far.

The computer controls things like fuel injection, ignition timing, idle control, and more! If the problem is with the computer, your car will have many issues, including a bad idle or a lack of power.

Worn Spark Plugs

If your spark plugs are worn out, they cannot send the electric charge to the engine, and it won't start. To check if you need new spark plugs, disconnect them from their electrical connectors and clean them with a wire brush.

Visually inspect for any damage, such as cracks in the ceramic or carbon build-up on the electrodes. If you notice that the plugs are bad, then you will need to replace them.

A blown a fuse is another common cause for a car not starting. A blown a fuse will not let the power flow between the battery and fuel pump, so your Journey won't start without gas!

Bad Fuel Pump

Your fuel pump sends gasoline from the gas tank to the engine so that it can run. If your fuel pump is broken, you won't have any fuel going into the engine and, therefore, no start to test if it's a bad pump, press down on your gas pedal a few times to see if it starts up.

Clogged Fuel Filter

A fuel filter filters the gasoline before it reaches your engine to clean and safe for combustion. If you have a clogged fuel filter, then there won't be enough pressure in the system to start up the car.

Bad Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors are small parts in your engine that spray gasoline into the engine to make it run. If one of these is clogged or broken, there won't be enough gas going through and, therefore, no start!

Faulty Immobilizer System

An immobilizer system is a computerized security device in your car that prevents it from starting without the proper key.

If the immobilizer system does not receive a valid code, then your Journey will not start. You can determine if this is an issue by checking if the doors open and close appropriately with both fob keys.

How do I Know if my Alternator is Bad on my Dodge Journey?

An alternator takes the energy stored in a battery and converts it into a form that the car can run. A car will not start if its alternator is not producing electricity. You can jumpstart the battery, but you will find that it won't be long before the battery dies again.

I tell sign that your alternator is going bad is if you charge the battery and start driving again only for components such as the air conditioner, radio, and other parts to turn off slowly. Suppose this starts to happen; pull over to the side of the road and get the vehicle towed to a mechanic shop.

A car's alternator usually runs quietly and only makes noise when it is going bad, so before you take your Dodge Journey to the shop, make sure you check the alternator first as this could be the problem.

How Do you Start a Dodge Journey with a Dead Key Fob?

If you know for a fact that your key fob battery is dead , then you may think you are out of luck. However, you may be able to start the Journey still if the battery is dead. First, try starting the Journey by pressing the push to start button with the key fob itself. Sometimes this will help the vehicle recognize the key fob and start the vehicle!

How Much Does a Dodge Journey Starter Cost?

The cost to replace a Dodge Journey starter can vary depending on the model year. In addition, different mechanics in different regions may charge a different hourly labor price. However, you can expect to pay on average $180 to $250 for a full starter replacement. It never hurts to get different price quotes from certified mechanics in your area, including a Dodge dealer themselves.

Can you Jumpstart Dodge Journey?

You can jumpstart a Journey with the help of another vehicle or with a charged jump box. First, you have to connect the red cable to the positive terminal and the black cable to the negative terminal. Then, start the car you are using for the jump or turn on the jump box.

Give the battery a few minutes to charge before trying to start the Dodge Journey. If the Journey seems like it is trying to start but struggling, then resecure the battery cables and give it another try.

Final Thoughts

Overall, if your Dodge Journey isn't starting, then start with the basics. Check your key fob battery and try jumpstarting the battery. These are inexpensive troubleshoot options and usually the most common reason why your vehicle won't start. If those don't work, you may have a more significant issue and need to see a mechanic for a diagnosis.

For more articles, check these out:

Is The Dodge Journey A Van Or SUV?

How Much Does A Dodge Journey Cost?

Here's What The Dodge Grand Caravan Interior Is Like

Related posts:

• Is the Dodge Journey a Van or SUV?
• How Much Weight Can A Dodge Journey Carry?
• Hyundai Veloster Won’t Start—What Could Be Wrong?
• How Much Does a Dodge Journey Cost?

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