When your Dodge Dart refuses to fire up, it’s often a sign of a few common issues, from battery troubles to fuel system hiccups or starter motor failure.
It’s a frustrating moment when you turn the key, and your Dodge Dart just sits there. That feeling of dread is familiar to any car owner. Let’s walk through some common culprits and get your Dart back on the road.
Initial Checks and Common Culprits
Before diving deep, we always start with the basics. Many no-start conditions trace back to simple, easily fixable problems.
The Battery: Powering Your Start
A dead or weak battery is the number one reason for a non-starting vehicle. Your Dart needs a strong electrical pulse to crank the engine.
- No crank, no lights: This usually points directly to a completely dead battery or very loose terminals.
- Clicking noise, no crank: A rapid clicking sound means the battery has enough power to engage the starter solenoid but not enough to turn the engine over.
- Slow crank: The engine turns slowly, but doesn’t catch. This indicates a weak battery or poor connections.
Check your battery terminals. They should be clean, tight, and free of corrosion. A wire brush can clean off any white or green build-up.
You can test the battery voltage with a multimeter. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts. Below 12.4 volts suggests a discharge.
Try a jump start. If the Dart fires up immediately with a jump, the battery is the problem, or your alternator isn’t charging it.
The Starter Motor: The Engine’s First Push
If your battery is strong, the starter motor is the next suspect. This component physically turns the engine over to begin the combustion cycle.
- Single click, no crank: This often means the starter solenoid is engaging, but the starter motor itself isn’t spinning.
- No sound at all: If the battery is good and you hear nothing, the starter motor might be faulty, or it’s not receiving power.
A failing starter can sometimes be coaxed with a gentle tap from a hammer while someone tries to start the car. This is a temporary fix, not a solution.
Inspect the wiring to the starter motor. Look for loose connections or corroded terminals. These can prevent power flow.
The Ignition System: Sparking Life
The ignition system generates the spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Without a spark, the engine won’t run.
While less common for a complete no-start, issues here can prevent the engine from catching even if it cranks.
A faulty ignition switch can prevent power from reaching the starter or other critical components. Sometimes, wiggling the key helps.
Here’s a quick checklist for initial diagnosis:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| No lights, no sound | Dead battery/Terminals | Check terminals, jump start |
| Clicking, no crank | Weak battery/Starter | Jump start, tap starter |
| Crank, no start | Fuel/Spark issue | Listen for fuel pump, check fuses |
Fuel Delivery System Deep Dive
Even with a strong battery and a working starter, your Dart needs fuel to run. The fuel delivery system is a common area for no-start issues.
The Fuel Pump: The Heart of Fuel Delivery
Your Dart’s fuel pump pushes gasoline from the tank to the engine. A failing pump means no fuel, no combustion.
When you turn the key to the “ON” position (before cranking), listen for a faint, brief hum from the rear of the vehicle. That’s your fuel pump priming.
If you hear no hum, the pump might be dead, or its relay or fuse might be faulty. Check the fuel pump fuse in the fuse box first.
A clogged fuel filter can also restrict fuel flow. While less common for a sudden no-start, it can contribute to poor performance and eventually prevent starting.
Fuel Injectors and Pressure
The fuel injectors spray fuel into the engine cylinders. If they’re clogged or faulty, fuel won’t reach the combustion chamber.
Checking fuel pressure requires specialized tools. A mechanic uses a fuel pressure gauge to confirm if the pump is delivering adequate pressure.
Running out of gas is an obvious, yet sometimes overlooked, reason. Make sure your fuel gauge is accurate and you have enough fuel.
Electrical Gremlins and Sensors: When Your Dodge Dart Won’t Start
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electrical signals and sensors. A fault in these can easily prevent your Dart from starting.
Fuses and Relays: The Circuit Breakers
Fuses protect electrical circuits from overloads. A blown fuse can cut power to critical components like the fuel pump or ignition system.
Check the fuse box under the hood and sometimes inside the cabin. Look for fuses related to the fuel pump, ignition, and engine control unit (ECU).
Relays are switches that control higher current circuits. A faulty fuel pump relay, for instance, will prevent the pump from activating.
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS)
The CPS tells the engine computer (PCM) the position and speed of the crankshaft. This information is critical for timing fuel injection and spark.
If the PCM doesn’t receive a signal from the CPS, it won’t know when to fire the spark plugs or inject fuel. This results in a crank-no-start condition.
A faulty CPS is a very common cause of no-starts, especially when the engine cranks normally but doesn’t catch.
Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
Similar to the CPS, the CMP monitors the camshaft’s position, which helps the PCM synchronize fuel injection and spark with valve timing.
A bad CMP can also cause a crank-no-start. The PCM might not be able to accurately time the engine’s operations.
Engine Control Unit (ECU/PCM)
The Power Control Module (PCM) is the brain of your Dart. It manages engine functions, including starting. While rare, a faulty PCM can prevent starting.
This is usually diagnosed after ruling out all other common issues. A scan tool can sometimes communicate with a failing PCM, but not always.
Understanding key sensors:
| Sensor | Primary Function | No-Start Symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | Engine speed/position | Cranks, no spark/fuel |
| Camshaft Position Sensor | Valve timing synchronization | Cranks, no spark/fuel |
| Oxygen Sensor | Exhaust gas analysis | Rough idle, poor fuel economy (not typically no-start) |
Transmission and Security System Roadblocks
Sometimes, the issue isn’t directly with the engine’s core components but with systems that prevent it from engaging.
Park/Neutral Safety Switch
Your automatic Dodge Dart has a safety switch that only allows the engine to start when the transmission is in Park or Neutral.
If this switch is faulty or misaligned, the car won’t start, even if the shifter appears to be in Park. Try wiggling the shifter or trying to start it in Neutral.
This is a safety feature, mandated by regulations, to prevent accidental starts while the car is in gear.
Security System (Immobilizer)
Dodge Darts come with a factory immobilizer system. This system uses a chip in your key to communicate with the car’s computer.
If the car doesn’t recognize the key’s signal, it will prevent the engine from starting. You might see a security light flashing on the dashboard.
A damaged key, a faulty key reader, or a problem with the immobilizer module itself can cause this. Try a spare key if you have one.
Ignition Switch Assembly
Beyond just the key cylinder, the electrical part of the ignition switch can wear out. This switch sends power to various circuits when you turn the key.
A failing ignition switch might not send power to the starter solenoid, fuel pump, or PCM, resulting in a no-start condition.
Symptoms can range from no power at all to intermittent starting issues. This component requires careful diagnosis, often with a wiring diagram.
Advanced Diagnostics and Next Steps
When the simple fixes don’t work, it’s time to dig a bit deeper or call in professional help.
OBD-II Scan Tool
Modern vehicles store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in their computer when something goes wrong. An OBD-II scan tool can read these codes.
Even if the check engine light isn’t on, there might be “pending” codes that point to an intermittent issue or a sensor failure.
Codes like P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor ‘A’ Circuit Malfunction) or P0230 (Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction) give clear direction.
Professional Assistance
If you’ve checked the battery, fuses, and tried basic troubleshooting, and your Dart still won’t start, it’s wise to consult a certified mechanic.
They have specialized diagnostic equipment and the experience to pinpoint complex electrical or mechanical failures. Many issues require specific tools for safe and accurate testing.
Don’t hesitate to call for a tow if you’re unsure. Trying to force a start when something is seriously wrong can cause more damage.
Regular maintenance, as recommended by Dodge, can prevent many of these no-start situations. Keep up with battery checks and filter replacements.
Dodge Dart Won’t Start — FAQs
Why does my Dart click but not crank?
A clicking sound with no engine cranking typically indicates insufficient power from the battery. The battery has enough charge to engage the starter solenoid, which makes the click, but not enough to spin the heavy engine. This can also happen with loose or corroded battery terminals preventing proper current flow to the starter motor.
Can a bad fuel pump cause my Dart not to start?
Absolutely, a faulty fuel pump is a common reason for a crank-no-start condition. If the fuel pump isn’t delivering fuel to the engine, combustion cannot occur. Listen for a brief humming sound from the rear of the car when you turn the key to the “ON” position; its absence suggests a fuel pump issue.
What role does the security system play in a no-start condition?
The Dodge Dart’s security system, or immobilizer, uses a transponder chip in your key to authorize engine starting. If the vehicle’s computer doesn’t recognize the key’s unique code, it will prevent the engine from firing. You might see a flashing security light on the dashboard, indicating an immobilizer problem.
How can I check if my Dart’s battery is truly dead?
The simplest check is to turn on the headlights. If they are dim or don’t light up at all, the battery is likely dead or severely discharged. For a more precise check, use a multimeter to measure the battery’s voltage; a healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts, while anything below 12.4 suggests a problem.
When should I consider calling a tow truck?
You should call a tow truck if basic troubleshooting like checking battery terminals, trying a jump start, or ensuring you have fuel doesn’t resolve the issue. If you hear grinding noises, smell burning, or suspect a complex electrical or mechanical failure, it’s safest to have your Dart transported to a professional mechanic.
Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Amir is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.