Why is my Dodge Dart not starting?
A Dodge Dart that won’t start is most often caused by a dead battery or a problem with the starting system, but there are several other electrical and fuel-related issues that can prevent the engine from turning over. This article outlines the most common causes, how to diagnose them safely, and when to seek professional help.
In many cases, a no-start condition in the Dart stems from power or fuel delivery problems. If the battery is discharged, connections are loose or corroded, or a starting relay or ignition component has failed, the engine may not crank at all. Less obvious causes include an immobilizer/anti-theft system glitch, blown fuses, sensor failures, or fuel delivery faults. A systematic check can usually identify the culprit without guessing.
Common no-start causes in the Dodge Dart
The following list covers the typical electrical, ignition, immobilizer, and fuel-related causes that can prevent a Dart from starting.
- Dead or severely discharged battery
- Loose, corroded, or damaged battery terminals and ground connections
- Ignition switch failure or wiring problems in the starting circuit
- Anti-theft immobilizer system malfunction or key transponder issue
- Blown fuses or a faulty starter/engine relay
- Fuel delivery problems (empty tank, failing fuel pump, clogged fuel filter)
- Faulty engine sensors (e.g., crankshaft/camshaft position sensors) or ECU-related issues
- Transmission not in Park/Neutral (automatic) or a transmission interlock
Concluding this section, most no-start conditions fall into electrical or fuel categories. If you’ve ruled out obvious battery issues and the car still won’t start, moving through the diagnostic steps below can help pinpoint the problem without costly guesswork.
Diagnostic steps you can take at home
Before you call for a tow or visit a shop, work through these safe, practical checks in roughly this order to identify the likely cause.
- Check the battery state of charge with a multimeter. A healthy battery should read about 12.6 volts when the engine is off and around 13.5–14.5 volts when the engine is running. If the voltage is significantly lower, recharge or replace the battery.
- Inspect battery terminals and cables for corrosion, looseness, or damaged insulation. Clean corrosion with a brush and a baking-soda solution, then re-tighten clamps firmly.
- Turn the key (or press Start if your model uses a push-button) with the brake pedal depressed and listen for a crank or any sounds. If you hear rapid clicking but no crank, the battery or starter circuit is usually the culprit.
- Check fuses and relays related to starting and the fuel system (engine start fuse, fuel pump relay). Replace any blown fuses with the correct rating and reseat relays.
- Listen for the fuel pump priming sound when turning the key to On before cranking (a brief whine from the rear or fuel rail area is typical). If you don’t hear it, there may be a fuel pump or power supply issue requiring further testing.
- Scan for trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner. Look for codes related to the immobilizer, crank/cam sensors, or fuel system. Codes can point you toward a specific subsystem to test (e.g., crankshaft position sensor or immobilizer circuitry).
- Try starting in Neutral (for automatics) or ensuring the clutch is fully depressed in manuals. Some cars have interlocks that prevent starting unless the transmission is in a recognized start position.
- Verify there is adequate fuel and that the fuel pump and filter are not clogged. If the tank is near empty, add fuel and retry; if the car has a history of slow starts, fuel delivery could be the issue.
- Check for obvious ignition issues (damaged ignition switch wiring, worn key blade if applicable, or a faulty ignition coil or spark plug system). If ignition components are degraded, the engine may crank without starting.
- Assess the immobilizer/anti-theft indicator on the dashboard. A steady or blinking security light can indicate the key isn’t being recognized; try using a spare key if available, and consult a dealer or locksmith if necessary.
Concluding this diagnostic sequence, you’ve systematically tested power, connectivity, fuel, and control systems. If the Dart still won’t start after these steps, professional diagnostics are strongly advised to avoid accidental additional damage and to address immobilizer or ECU-related issues.
Immobilizer and key issues on the Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart can be equipped with an immobilizer system that requires the correct key transponder to be recognized by the car’s computer. If the immobilizer isn’t recognizing the key, or there’s a fault in the anti-theft circuitry, the engine may crank but fail to start or won’t crank at all. Common remedies include trying a spare key, allowing the system to reset (some systems require a wait time), or visiting a dealership or qualified locksmith to reprogram or diagnose immobilizer components.
What to do if you hear a rapid clicking but the engine won’t crank
A rapid series of clicks typically points to insufficient battery power or a poor electrical connection rather than a mechanical failure. Start by rechecking the battery and clean/secure all connections, then attempt a jump-start if you have access to a booster or another vehicle. If the clicking persists after a fresh start, the starter or a high-current relay is a likely failure.
When to seek professional help
If basic checks don’t reveal a clear cause, or the vehicle exhibits immobilizer symptoms, a dealership, repair shop, or mobile technician with Chrysler/Fiat diagnostics should be consulted. Some failures—such as a bad crank sensor, ECU issues, or a defective ignition switch—require specialized tooling and software to diagnose and repair correctly.
Summary
In most Dodge Dart no-start cases, start with the battery and its connections, then inspect fuses, relays, and the starting circuit. If you hear no cranking but illumination, the problem often lies in the battery, connections, or starter relay; if you hear a click or the security light behaves oddly, immobilizer or ignition circuitry may be involved. Using an OBD-II scanner can help identify sensor or ECU-related faults. When basic checks don’t identify a clear cause, or immobilizer symptoms persist, seek professional assessment to avoid further damage or misdiagnosis.
What happens if your car won't start but has power?
If your car has power but won't start, the problem is likely a bad starter motor, an issue with the fuel system, or a faulty ignition switch. You may hear a single click (which can point to a bad starter) or a whirring sound (which can mean a bad starter solenoid). Other less common causes include blown fuses, a security system issue, or a bad alternator.
This video explains the common issues why a car won't start but has power: 55sFixITYouTube · Jan 23, 2025
Common causes
- Starter motor: If you hear a loud click when you turn the key, the starter motor may be failing. It could be getting power, but it isn't able to turn the engine over.
- Fuel system: A bad fuel pump or clogged fuel filter can prevent the engine from getting the necessary fuel to start.
- Ignition switch: A faulty ignition switch may not be sending the "start" signal to the rest of the car, even if the lights and radio work.
- Blown fuse: A blown fuse can cause the car to have no power at all or only partial power, depending on which fuse is blown.
- Security system: Some anti-theft systems can prevent the car from starting as a security measure.
- Alternator: If your battery is getting low, the alternator may be failing and not charging the battery correctly.
What to do
- Check the basics: Make sure the gear shift is firmly in Park or Neutral. Also, check that the battery terminals are clean and tight.
- Listen for sounds: Turn the key to the start position and listen for any sounds. A single loud click points to the starter, a whirring sound suggests a bad starter solenoid.
- Don't keep cranking: Repeatedly cranking the engine can drain the battery further.
- If you suspect a specific issue, such as a blown fuse: Use a multimeter to check the fuses in the fuse box and replace any that are blown.
- If you're still unsure: It's best to have the car diagnosed by a professional to avoid any further damage.
Why is my Dodge car not starting?
Check battery voltage and terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Test the starter motor by tapping it gently while attempting to start. If the battery is good, inspect the starter relay and ignition switch. Regularly clean battery terminals and ensure the alternator charges properly to prevent this issue.
What would make a Dodge Dart not start?
The most common reasons a Dodge Dart won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Battery: A weak or failing battery can result in difficulty starting the engine and electrical system malfunctions.
What are the most common issues with Dodge Darts?
Common problems with the Dodge Dart include issues with the engine and transmission, excessive oil consumption, and a shifter cable defect that can cause a rollaway risk. Other reported problems are with the suspension system, battery failure, ignition coils, and the Bluetooth module. A significant 2013-2016 model year recall addresses the rollaway risk due to a faulty shifter cable.
This video discusses common problems and recalls for the Dodge Dart: 57scar PROblemsYouTube · Oct 3, 2022
Engine and transmission
- Engine stalling: Can be caused by faulty sensors, ignition coils, fuel system components, or battery/alternator issues.
- Excessive oil consumption: Particularly notable in the 2015 model year, some engines may consume excessive oil.
- Transmission issues: Both automatic and manual transmissions have been a source of problems, with some automatic models suffering from sluggish performance.
- Ignition coils: Failure of the ignition coils can lead to rough running and other performance issues.
Recalls and safety
- Rollaway risk: A major recall for model years 2013-2016 addresses a shifter cable defect where the car could roll away even when in park.
Other common issues
- Suspension problems: Worn-out suspension mounts can cause vibrations, especially at idle.
- Bluetooth module: The infotainment system's Bluetooth module is a frequent point of failure.
- Coolant hose fittings: Plastic T-connectors in the cooling system can fail and are best replaced with metal ones.
- Battery failure: Some owners have reported issues with the battery.
- Brake-related issues: Brakes have been cited as a problem area for some owners.
- Broken sun visor: The sun visor is a recurring complaint.
