A 2013 Chrysler 200 with a 2.4L engine is experiencing intermittent no-crank no-start issues. The vehicle has a new battery, starter, and battery terminals. Despite these replacements, the car randomly fails to start, leaving the driver stranded. Could a faulty or corroded OBDII replacement socket be contributing to this problem? Let’s explore the troubleshooting steps taken so far and consider the possibility of OBDII socket involvement.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps and Findings
The vehicle owner performed several troubleshooting steps:
- Jump Starting: Attempts to jump-start the vehicle with various jumper packs and a tow truck’s powerful battery pack were unsuccessful. While the tow truck briefly started the engine, it ran poorly and died quickly after the jumper cables were removed.
- Battery Voltage Test: A direct battery voltage test revealed a healthy 12.9 volts, ruling out a weak battery as the culprit. The battery was also professionally load tested and passed.
- Jumper Post Voltage: Initially, the voltage at the positive jumper post under the hood measured only 2.4 volts. After cleaning and replacing the positive battery terminal clamp, the voltage at the jumper post returned to a normal 12.8 volts.
- Electronic Reset: An attempt was made to reset the car’s electronics by briefly connecting the positive and negative battery terminals.
Despite these efforts, the no-crank no-start condition persists.
Could the OBDII Socket Be a Factor?
While less common, a faulty or corroded OBDII replacement socket could potentially contribute to no-start issues. The OBDII port connects to the vehicle’s computer network and provides crucial data for starting and running the engine. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Corrosion: Corrosion within the socket or on the pins can disrupt communication between the diagnostic tool and the various modules, potentially affecting starting.
- Wiring Issues: Damaged wiring connected to the OBDII socket could interrupt the flow of information, leading to starting problems.
- Short Circuit: A short circuit in the OBDII socket or its wiring could potentially affect the power supply to critical components involved in starting.
Alt text: A close-up view of the engine bay in a Chrysler 200, highlighting the location of the battery and other components.
Further Diagnostics Focusing on the OBDII Socket
To determine if the OBDII socket is involved, consider these diagnostic steps:
- Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the OBDII replacement socket for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose wiring.
- OBDII Scanner Test: Attempt to connect a known-good OBDII scanner. If communication fails, it suggests a problem with the socket or its wiring.
- Voltage Test: Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage at the OBDII socket pins.
- Wiring Harness Inspection: Trace the wiring harness connected to the OBDII socket, looking for any breaks, damage, or loose connections.
Alt text: A technician connecting an OBDII diagnostic scanner to the port of a Chrysler vehicle.
Conclusion
Intermittent no-crank no-start issues can be challenging to diagnose. While the initial troubleshooting focused on common culprits like the battery and starter, it’s important to explore less obvious possibilities, including the OBDII replacement socket. A thorough inspection and testing of the OBDII socket and its associated wiring are recommended to rule out this potential cause. If the problem persists after checking the OBDII socket, further diagnostics may be required to pinpoint the root cause.
