Dodge Lancer Parts and Accessories

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What to Do When Your Dodge Lancer Won't Start

As beloved a mid-size hatchback among Dodge enthusiasts as your Lancer is, it's had a few issues over the years. One of the commonest is trouble starting -- the engine won't crank or turn over. Luckily, the problem's explanations turn out to be pretty simple. Here's what to do.

1. Inspect the Battery

The battery is the likeliest problem. You'll know it from the engine starting but then failing, the engine being slow to start, or the engine turning over fine but then stalling. Other signs the battery's the issue include corroded terminals, the lights not turning on, and the car not "chiming" (if it's got the feature) when you open the door, and the Check Engine light coming on. You may even notice the battery swelling, or that it smells like rotten eggs; a swollen battery means hydrogen buildup, while a rotten-egg smell means a lead acid leak.

If the battery is undamaged, try a jump-start. If that doesn't work, you'll have to replace the battery.

2. Check the Alternator

If the neither the power steering, nor the windshield wipers, nor the electronics, nor the rest of the car's electrical systems are running right (or at all), the alternator is likely the problem. Other signs of a faulty alternator include warning lights on the dash (for the battery and alternator), the car lights malfunctioning, the engine squeaking, a burning smell around the battery or alternator, and alternator fluid leaks.

Usually, defective parts are the causes, or putting in the wrong accessories, or jump-starting the car the wrong way. Run an inspection to be sure it's the alternator itself that's the problem (and not, say, a rectifier or voltage regulator or pulley), and if it is, replace it.

3. Test the Starter

The starter is likely the problem if its terminals are corroded, if it's got loose wiring, or if it's got damaged parts. It's even more likely to be the problem if you turn the key in the ignition, and you can't start except in certain gears or drive modes. Also if only the dash lights and displays come on. In either case, the starter will have to be replaced.

Of course, a Mopar service center can help if you're not sure what the problem is, let alone what to do about it.

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