Dodge Journey Won’t Start – What Could Be Wrong?

It can be tough to make it to your destination if your Dodge Journey doesn't start. But, unless you are savvy with vehicle mechanics, it can be frustrating to figure out what could be wrong on your own. That's why we have researched the Dodge Journey for you in this article to help pinpoint the culprit!

If your Dodge Journey doesn't start, it could be due to one or more of the following issues:

  • Dead battery
  • Faulty alternator
  • Dead key fob
  • Bad starter motor
  • Faulty starter solenoid
  • Bad starter relay
  • Bad computer
  • Worn spark plugs
  • Blown fuse
  • Bad fuel pump
  • Clogged fuel filter
  • Bad fuel injectors
  • Faulty immobilizer

We get it; that is an intimidating list of possible reasons why your Journey isn't starting! However, to help troubleshoot the issue, it is essential to understand the functions of each part and how they play a part in starting your vehicle. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each car part and its purposes. In addition, we will discuss how much a new starter will cost and the warning signs of a failing alternator, so read on!

A motor car Dodge Journey drives in the city street, Dodge Journey Won't Start - What Could Be Wrong?

Dodge Journey Won't Start—What Could Be Wrong?

The Dodge Journey is no different from any vehicle makes and model that you will have issues with at some point. Vehicles are depreciated machines, which means parts will break and need to be replaced as they are used.

With that being said, what could be wrong with your Dodge Journey causing it not to start? Let's take the most common causes of this problem:

Various colors of Dodge Journey vehicles in a row at a car dealership

Dead Battery

A dead battery is a principal reason why a Dodge Journey won't start. The battery in the car provides the initial spark to get your car going, and if it dies, there will be no hope of getting your vehicle running again until you charge up the battery with jumper cables.

In addition, check to see if your battery terminals are corroded. If they are, then they will need to be cleaned and then reconnect the battery cables. While doing this, make sure the cables are secure on the terminals and not loose.

If you try charging and jumpstarting the battery but still can't get the Journey to start, then take the battery out and take it to an auto parts store. They will be able to test the battery and determine if you need to replace it.

Dead Key Fob

A faulty key fob will also keep your Journey from starting. If the essential fob battery dies, it cannot emit the signals to start the car. If the battery and alternator are fine, take out the key fob battery and replace it. The batteries for these key fobs aren't expensive and are an easy way to fix the problem!

Bad Starter Motor

A bad starter motor is another common reason why your Dodge Journey won't start. Again, this can be due to lack of maintenance, but the starter will wear out and stop working correctly or entirely fail over time.

Usually, bad starters will make a clicking or a grinding noise. However, if the three parts mentioned above are working correctly, it could be a starter motor issue.

Faulty Starter Solenoid

A starter solenoid is a small box that connects to the starter. It has two parts – one part attaches to the car's battery, and the other end attaches to the starter motor.

The job of a starter solenoid is to pass power from the battery to the starter motor when you turn your key in the ignition switch. When a starter solenoid fails, it will cause starting problems that generally include the car not starting when hot or even when cold.

Bad Starter Relay

A starter relay is part of the starting system. It receives a signal from the ignition switch to initiate power to the solenoid so that it can start your Journey. But, just like the starter solenoid, when it fails, it will not send power to the solenoid, and thus your Journey won't start.

Bad Computer

A computer is also known as the ECM (electronic control module) or PCM (powertrain control module). You can take these parts for granted, but they are essential to your vehicle. A computer helps run all the systems in your car, and without it, you won't be able to get very far.

The computer controls things like fuel injection, ignition timing, idle control, and more! If the problem is with the computer, your car will have many issues, including a bad idle or a lack of power.

Worn Spark Plugs

If your spark plugs are worn out, they cannot send the electric charge to the engine, and it won't start. To check if you need new spark plugs, disconnect them from their electrical connectors and clean them with a wire brush.

Visually inspect for any damage, such as cracks in the ceramic or carbon build-up on the electrodes. If you notice that the plugs are bad, then you will need to replace them.

Macro shooting used spark plugs in the car

Blown Fuse

A blown a fuse is another common cause for a car not starting. A blown a fuse will not let the power flow between the battery and fuel pump, so your Journey won't start without gas!

Bad Fuel Pump

Your fuel pump sends gasoline from the gas tank to the engine so that it can run. If your fuel pump is broken, you won't have any fuel going into the engine and, therefore, no start to test if it's a bad pump, press down on your gas pedal a few times to see if it starts up.

Clogged Fuel Filter

A fuel filter filters the gasoline before it reaches your engine to clean and safe for combustion. If you have a clogged fuel filter, then there won't be enough pressure in the system to start up the car.

Bad Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors are small parts in your engine that spray gasoline into the engine to make it run. If one of these is clogged or broken, there won't be enough gas going through and, therefore, no start!

Faulty Immobilizer System

An immobilizer system is a computerized security device in your car that prevents it from starting without the proper key.

If the immobilizer system does not receive a valid code, then your Journey will not start. You can determine if this is an issue by checking if the doors open and close appropriately with both fob keys.

How do I Know if my Alternator is Bad on my Dodge Journey?

An alternator takes the energy stored in a battery and converts it into a form that the car can run. A car will not start if its alternator is not producing electricity. You can jumpstart the battery, but you will find that it won't be long before the battery dies again.

I tell sign that your alternator is going bad is if you charge the battery and start driving again only for components such as the air conditioner, radio, and other parts to turn off slowly. Suppose this starts to happen; pull over to the side of the road and get the vehicle towed to a mechanic shop.

A car's alternator usually runs quietly and only makes noise when it is going bad, so before you take your Dodge Journey to the shop, make sure you check the alternator first as this could be the problem.

 

How Do you Start a Dodge Journey with a Dead Key Fob?

If you know for a fact that your key fob battery is dead, then you may think you are out of luck. However, you may be able to start the Journey still if the battery is dead. First, try starting the Journey by pressing the push to start button with the key fob itself. Sometimes this will help the vehicle recognize the key fob and start the vehicle!

How Much Does a Dodge Journey Starter Cost?

The cost to replace a Dodge Journey starter can vary depending on the model year. In addition, different mechanics in different regions may charge a different hourly labor price. However, you can expect to pay on average $180 to $250 for a full starter replacement. It never hurts to get different price quotes from certified mechanics in your area, including a Dodge dealer themselves.

Can you Jumpstart Dodge Journey?

You can jumpstart a Journey with the help of another vehicle or with a charged jump box. First, you have to connect the red cable to the positive terminal and the black cable to the negative terminal. Then, start the car you are using for the jump or turn on the jump box.

Give the battery a few minutes to charge before trying to start the Dodge Journey. If the Journey seems like it is trying to start but struggling, then resecure the battery cables and give it another try.

Final Thoughts

Overall, if your Dodge Journey isn't starting, then start with the basics. Check your key fob battery and try jumpstarting the battery. These are inexpensive troubleshoot options and usually the most common reason why your vehicle won't start. If those don't work, you may have a more significant issue and need to see a mechanic for a diagnosis.

For more articles, check these out:

Is The Dodge Journey A Van Or SUV?

How Much Does A Dodge Journey Cost?

Here's What The Dodge Grand Caravan Interior Is Like

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