Why isnt my Dodge Charger not starting?

Most often it's a dead or weak battery, a faulty starter, or an immobilizer/security issue.

This article explains why a Dodge Charger might fail to start, how to diagnose safely, and practical steps you can take—from quick at-home checks to guidance on when to contact a mechanic.

Common Causes

Below are the most common electrical and mechanical reasons a Charger won't start.

• Dead or weak battery that can't turn the engine over.


• Loose, corroded, or damaged battery terminals or grounding straps.


• Failing starter motor or solenoid that won't engage the engine.


• Blown fuses or faulty relays in the starting or ignition circuits.


• Immobilizer or security system not recognizing the key, causing a no-start condition.


• Faulty ignition switch or wiring in the steering column.


• Fuel delivery problems — empty tank, failed fuel pump, or clogged fuel filter.


• Sensor failures, such as crankshaft or camshaft position sensors, preventing the engine from sensing correct timing.


• Engine mechanical issues (timing belt/chain failure or a seized engine) that prevent cranking or starting.

These issues cover the bulk of no-start events and are often identifiable with simple checks or service notes.

Diagnostic Steps You Can Try

Use these steps to narrow down the cause without specialized tools. If anything feels unsafe, stop and contact a professional.

• Check for warning lights and listen for sounds when attempting to start (a single click vs. rapid clicking can indicate different problems).


• Test the battery voltage with a multimeter; a healthy 12.6 volts or higher when the engine is off is expected, and around 13.5–14.5 volts when the engine runs (suggests charging system is working).


• Inspect battery terminals for corrosion, looseness, or damaged cables; clean and re-tighten as needed.


• Try a jump start with jumper cables from another vehicle, ensuring proper polarity and a solid connection; if the car starts, the issue is likely battery or charging system.


• Check fuses and ignition relays related to the starting system in the fuse box; replace any blown fuses with the correct rating.


• Ensure the gear selector is firmly in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual) and that the parking brake is engaged as a precaution.


• Verify there is sufficient fuel; if in doubt, add gasoline and attempt to start again after a brief cycle.


• With the key fob, ensure the keyless entry battery is not dead; try using the physical key or a spare fob if available to rule out immobilizer issues.

Many no-start cases resolve with one or two of these checks, but some problems require professional diagnostic tools.

When to Seek Help

If basic checks don’t reveal or fix the problem, or if you hear unusual noises, or if the dashboard security light stays on, it’s time to bring in a professional mechanic or call roadside assistance.

• No crank or no noise when turning the key, especially after a jump start, can indicate a starter, ignition switch, or wiring fault.


• The security/immobilizer light staying on or flashing suggests a key or BCM/PCM communication issue.


• Dashboard lights come on but the starter does nothing; this often points to a bad starter, starter relay, or ignition switch.


• Fuel delivery concerns, such as no fuel pressure, require testing the fuel pump and related circuitry.

Professional diagnosis can prevent unnecessary replacement parts and ensure safety, especially if electrical system faults or airbags may be involved.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent No-Start Situations

Regular care can reduce the odds of a Charger leaving you stranded. Consider these preventive steps.

• Keep the battery clean, fully charged, and replaced every 3–5 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.


• Have the charging system (alternator and belt) tested during routine maintenance.


• Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and ensure tight connections at least every few months.


• Replace worn fuses and relays and review wiring if symptoms recur.


• Use the correct key and keep the immobilizer system functioning by using the official fob and not exposing the car to excessive electrical interference.

Following routine maintenance helps avoid starting problems and keeps the vehicle reliable.

Summary

A Dodge Charger that won’t start is most commonly caused by a weak or dead battery, a faulty starter, or immobilizer/security issues. A structured check—battery, connections, fuses, relays, fuel delivery, and key/immobilizer status—helps pinpoint the cause. When in doubt, a professional diagnostic is the safest path to a reliable fix and to prevent further damage.

What does it mean when my car has power but won't start?

A car with power but no start is likely caused by a faulty starter motor, a bad ignition switch, or a problem with the car's electrical connections. Other common culprits include a blown fuse or relay, a loose or corroded battery cable, a problem with the fuel pump, or a malfunctioning shift safety switch. 
Electrical and connection issues

• Faulty starter motor: If you hear a single click when you turn the key but the engine doesn't crank, a bad starter is a likely cause. 
• Bad ignition switch: This switch sends power to the starter. If it's faulty, accessories might work, but the engine won't crank. 
• Loose or corroded battery terminals: Even with a charged battery, corrosion or loose connections can prevent the flow of power needed to start the engine. 
• Blown fuse or faulty relay: A blown fuse or bad relay in the starter circuit can prevent power from reaching the starter. 
• Key fob battery (for push-button start): A dead or weak key fob battery can prevent a modern car from recognizing the key and starting. 

This video explains how to check for common causes like a faulty starter or a bad key fob battery: 55sFixITYouTube · Jan 23, 2025
Mechanical and safety issues

• Faulty neutral safety switch: In an automatic car, this switch prevents starting unless the gear selector is in Park or Neutral. Wiggling the shifter while trying to start can sometimes temporarily fix this. 
• Fuel system problems: If the engine cranks but won't "catch," a problem with the fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter could be the issue. 
• Security system lockout: The car's anti-theft system can malfunction and prevent it from starting. 
• Bad ignition coil or spark plugs: These are necessary for the engine to ignite. If they are faulty, the engine will crank but not start. 

This video demonstrates how to check the neutral safety switch and other potential issues: 59sHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · Jan 24, 2024
Troubleshooting steps

• Check battery connections: Wiggle the battery terminals to ensure they are tight and clean off any white, powdery corrosion. 
• Try a jump-start: A jump-start can help determine if the battery has enough power to crank the engine, even if it shows a good voltage reading. 
• Check fuses and relays: Locate the fuse box and visually inspect the fuses for the starter and ignition. You can also swap a suspect relay with a known-good one, like the horn relay, to test it. 
• Check the gear selector: For automatic transmissions, try shifting to Neutral or jiggling the gear shifter while in Park to see if the safety switch is the culprit. 
• Replace the key fob battery: If you have a push-button start, try replacing the battery in your key fob. 

Why is my Dodge Charger not starting?

A Dodge Charger not starting is most often caused by a dead battery, a faulty starter, or ignition and fuel system issues. To diagnose the problem, first check the battery for a weak charge and clean the terminals. Then, listen for a clicking sound, which may indicate a bad starter motor. Other common culprits include blown fuses, a faulty ignition switch, or a problem with the fuel pump or fuel pump relay. For push-button start models, check that the key fob battery isn't dead and the brake pedal sensor is working correctly. 
Quick checks

• Battery: The battery is the most frequent cause of starting issues. Check for corrosion on the terminals and have it tested. 
• Key Fob: For push-button start models, a weak key fob battery can prevent the car from starting. 
• Push-button start: Ensure the brake pedal is fully pressed. Some models may have a specific spot to touch the fob to the start button if the fob battery is dead. 
• Listen for sounds: When you turn the key or press the start button, listen for a clicking noise. A single click can point to a bad starter, while a rapid clicking could mean a low battery. 

Common issues and solutions
This video demonstrates how to diagnose a no-start issue on a Dodge Charger: 51sElectrical Car Repair LIVEYouTube · Dec 19, 2024

• Battery: If the battery is the issue, try jump-starting the car. If the battery is very old, it may need to be replaced. 
• Starter: If the starter is faulty, the engine may not crank at all or you may hear a clicking noise. A failing starter needs to be replaced. 
• Fuses and relays: Blown fuses for the ignition, starter, or fuel pump can prevent the car from starting. Check the fuses and relays in both the under-hood and trunk fuse boxes. 
• Ignition switch: A worn or faulty ignition switch or relay can cause starting problems. 
• Fuel system: If the engine cranks but doesn't start, there might be a fuel delivery issue. Check the fuel pump, fuel pump fuse/relay, and fuel pressure. 

This video explains how to diagnose a no-start issue by checking various components on a Dodge Charger: 59s⚙️Homie Hektor⚙️YouTube · Nov 23, 2022
Advanced checks

• Fuel pump: If you suspect the fuel pump, check if it's getting power. If it is, but the pump isn't running, the pump itself is likely bad. 
• Crankshaft/Camshaft position sensors: Bad sensors can prevent the car from starting even if it cranks. 
• Check engine light: If the check engine light is on, use an OBD-II scanner to check for trouble codes, which can help narrow down the problem. 
• Resetting the computer: In some cases, a computer reset may fix the issue. You can try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to perform a hard reset, or use the Uconnect system reset method described in Hendrick Dodge Cary's guide. 

How to manually start a Dodge Charger?

This. We take this we actually make contact with the push button with our foot on the brake. And it fires right up. Again no battery in this whatsoever. It reverse feeds circuitry.

Why is my Dodge having trouble starting?

A faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or empty gas tank can cause this issue. If you do not hear the fuel pump prime when turning the key to the "on" position, there may be a problem. Clogged fuel filters can also prevent fuel from flowing smoothly.