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Why wont my car start a Dodge Charger?

If your Dodge Charger won't start, there could be several potential causes, from a dead battery to a problem with the fuel system or ignition. In this article, we'll explore the most common reasons a Dodge Charger may fail to start and provide troubleshooting steps to help you get your vehicle back on the road.

Common Reasons a Dodge Charger Won't Start

Dead or Weak Battery: A dead or weak battery is one of the most common reasons a Dodge Charger won't start. The battery powers the starter motor, which cranks the engine. If the battery is low on charge, the starter won't have enough power to turn over the engine.

Faulty Alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is not working properly, it can cause the battery to drain and prevent the car from starting.

Fuel System Issues: Problems with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel pump, or issues with the fuel injectors, can prevent the engine from getting the necessary fuel to start.li>
Ignition System Problems: Issues with the ignition system, including a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or engine control module, can prevent the engine from firing up.

Mechanical Problems: In some cases, a Dodge Charger may not start due to mechanical issues, such as a seized engine or a problem with the timing belt or chain.

If your Dodge Charger won't start, it's important to systematically troubleshoot the issue to identify the root cause. Start by checking the battery and alternator, then move on to inspecting the fuel and ignition systems. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to have a mechanic diagnose and repair the vehicle.

Troubleshooting Steps

Check the Battery: Use a voltmeter to test the battery's charge. If the battery is low, try jump-starting the car or replacing the battery.

Inspect the Alternator: With the engine running, use a voltmeter to check the alternator's output. If the alternator is not charging the battery, it may need to be replaced.

Examine the Fuel System: Check the fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel injectors for any issues. If the fuel system is not delivering fuel to the engine, the car won't start.

Test the Ignition System: Check the spark plugs, ignition coils, and engine control module for any problems. If the ignition system is not providing the necessary spark, the engine won't start.

Inspect for Mechanical Issues: If the above steps don't reveal the problem, have a mechanic check for any mechanical issues, such as a seized engine or timing belt/chain problems.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue preventing your Dodge Charger from starting. If the problem persists, it's best to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the vehicle.

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.

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 wont my Dodge Charger start but clicks?

A Dodge Charger that only clicks is likely experiencing an electrical problem, most commonly a weak or dead battery, loose or corroded battery terminals, or a faulty starter or starter relay. To diagnose and fix the issue, you can start by checking and cleaning the battery terminals, ensuring the battery is charged, and then inspecting fuses and relays, as some Chargers have the starter relay integrated into the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). A professional diagnosis is recommended if the simple checks don't resolve the problem.
Potential causes and solutions
Battery and connections

Weak or dead battery: A rapid clicking sound often points to a battery that can't supply enough power to turn the starter. Try a jump start, and if that works, have the battery tested and likely replaced.
Corroded or loose terminals: The battery clamps might be loose, or the terminals themselves might be corroded, preventing proper current flow. Clean the terminals and tighten the clamps.
Bad ground connection: A poor ground connection can cause similar issues. Check your ground straps for any signs of looseness or corrosion.

Starter and related components

Faulty starter or solenoid: A single, loud click can indicate a problem with the starter motor or its solenoid, which may be trying to engage but failing. A technician can test this.
Starter relay: The starter relay sends power to the starter. A faulty relay will cause the clicking without the starter engaging.

This video shows how to use a jump start a car with a dead battery: 50sJason GillettYouTube · Aug 25, 2020
Fuses and relays

Blown fuse: A blown fuse for the starter or ignition system can prevent the car from starting. Check the fuse boxes (under the hood and in the trunk) and visually inspect, but ideally test, fuses like number 4 (starter) and others mentioned in the search results.
Faulty TIPM: Many Chrysler vehicles, including the Charger, have a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) which can fail. The starter relay is often integrated into this module, which can be a common source of starting issues.

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.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.