NetNews Usenet Archive 1993 #1/NN_1993_1.iso/spool/rec/autos/tech/17469

Internet Message Format | 1993-01-06 | 1.6 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!usc!cs.utexas.edu!torn!nott!uotcsi2!revcan!software.mitel.com!sheriffp
From: [e-mail] (Peter Sheriff)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: Dodge 2.2L starting/electrical problem
Message-ID: <13785@limey>
Date: 5 Jan 93 15:08:36 GMT
References: <[e-mail]>
Organization: Mitel. Kanata (Ontario). Canada.
Lines: 21


     Can you tell if the lights etc. go out because of an open circuit or
from extreme current drain? If there is some sort of fault in your starter
that is causing excessive current drain it may cause your electrical system
to die though I would think that you would also get some smoke within a very
short time.
     Have you checked the battery connections and those on the starter? If
they are loose or corroded it could cause an intermittent problem like this.
Check engine ground straps while you are at it. I have seen burned out
throttle cables because an engine ground strap broke off. I don't think that
the starter solenoid is bad because this probably wouldn't cause the rest
of the electrical system to die. The battery could be on it's way out but
I really can't see why it would reset after you disconnected it.
     I have worked on some Ford starters with non-integral solenoids where
there is a coil in the starter that pulls the starter into engagement and
is held in place via some sort of hold circuit. I wonder if Chryslers have
such a mechanism in their starters and if so, could the hold circuit be
holding when it shouldn't? Just a thought. It is a long time since I owned
these cars so my memories may be dim.

                                  Pete