94 Concorde intermittent starting

Ignition switch maybe? I think I recall fixing a similar problem in my 94 Intrepid 3.5L.

Dave assuming that the starter doesn't even turn....just a click? more then likely the contacts are worn out in the starter

If the battery is good and all cable/connectors are clean and tight, the I agree that it is very likely the starter's solenoid contacts that are badly worn, very dirty, and in need of replacement.

I have replaced several of these and purchased the replacements from:

for $5 apiece (you need two and they are each different). Dan Stern generously provided a listing of applications which I sent to the web site owner and he actually included them up there on the site. In my case Dan was absolutely 100% accurate for three different Chrysler vehicles.

Do check out that web site as it provides nice pictures. The Nippondenso starter used in most Chrysler vehicles is a pretty nice unit, but this is the one area in which it seems to be weak. My vehicles all have needed solenoid contact replacement at between 45-70K miles. It really is not a bad job though as long as you can get to the unit. At $11 for two ($ is Shipping) it is a cheap job. Make sure you get the plunger ring clean using a wire brush and some electronic contact cleaner before you reassemble the unit.

Alternative to replacing the contacts is to replace the entire starter assembly, but in my opinion you could get an inferior unit and pay a whole lot more. I know the dealer only offered this option at about $400 for the whole job when I undertook my web search the first time several years back.

Good luck

Bob

Bob,

You're right about the website you suggested, very easy to understand and with good photos to explain the process. I still need to check the cables on the starter but with 145K miles and over 10 years of use, it is likely worn components.

When it fails, I hear the solenoid engage and sometimes it seems to start turning the motor but can't. It's as if I move the starter motor just enough to get to "good" spot where it can run. Sometimes it takes several attempts. Other times it starts perfectly on the first try which also may indicate bad contacts as it happened to stop on a place where it could make good contact on the next start. Does that make sense?

As usual, this newsgroup comes through with great answers. It will be a few days before I get a chance to look further but I will post the outcome here to share what happened.

Thanks,

Dave

To all,

Thank you for your suggestions on my starting problem. It turned out to be a defective starter which I was able to replace with a 3 year warranty re-built for just over $100. Removal and replacement went pretty smoothly and was certainly within the ability of most do-it-yourself folks.

I'm sure I could have replaced the contacts, as was recommended by another person, but I felt $100 wasn't too bad and it limited my downtime which was nice.

Special thanks to Tom S. who wrote with specific troubleshooting suggestions.

Thanks,

Dave