2007 4.0, Starting issue (Weird)
2007 4.0, Starting issue (Weird)
Hey guys, I've got a 2007 Pacifica that I've owned for a while now, 212k miles. I'm having a strange issue when trying to start the car, explained below. Any help is appreciated, I know this issue is a bit obscure but hopefully someone else has had experience with this as I don't know what to do past this point and am considering just trading in or scrapping the car if I can't get this figured out. I love my Pacifica, the A/C kicks butt and I love the way it rides, I have it tinted far past legality and it's an awesome party bus for me and my friends.
Anyways, onto the issue. Before I discuss the symptoms, here is a quick list of the parts I have replaced. This car has had the "Click, no start" issue since I've had it.
Transmission replaced at 206k miles. Starter motor has been replaced twice, as well as related relay modules. Ignition switch has been replaced. Fluid change, new battery, new transmission range sensor (pressure sensor).
Symptoms are following. Car has done this ever since I bought it (Auction car, very good physical condition, purchased at 199k miles at a steal of a price)
When engine is full cold, it will start normally. Say, for example, I drive to the gas station and shut off the warmed engine. When trying to restart, the car will weakly click one time. (electrical connections are tight) To get it to start, I removed the cap from the starter relay and hand bridged the connection. The motor will then start spinning over the engine, then I must run to the cabin, hold the key to "START" position for about a second then it will catch and run on its own. This issue is getting the better of me now. I don't believe it to be the starter motor as I've replaced that twice now and each time the motors tested as "GOOD" units. They spring out, spin, and retreat as intended. No odd noises or behaviors are observed, except the weak "Click" sound if I just try and use the ignition switch in the cabin to start the engine, only does this when warmed up. Keys are genuine and batteries are good so I doubt it's related to anti-theft. Both of my keys will work if I use the method above to start.
Seems like a simple issue. I have replaced fuses, relays, etc. that relate to the car's starting system and when I manually force that electricity from the relay to the motor, it spins over quickly and sounds strong. However the simple fixes do not have an effect. The range sensor was replaced as one time the car became unaware of what gear it was in, causing a no start under any condition issue. Since replacing that sensor, the car will start every time when I force that pulse through by pressing the golden tab into the coil on the relay.
Has anyone had this issue, and if so what did you do to fix it? Could someone provide a schematic for the 4.0, 6spd auto cars that shows ground locations? I believe the issue resides somewhere between the ignition switch and the junction box under the hood that contains all the fuses and relays. Because from that junction box to the starter, everything seems to act as it should. Keep in mind ignition switch was replaced with an OEM part, brand new of course. I don't believe it is in the transmission either, as the transmission was replaced and the valve body was dropped to change the range sensor. Transmission shifts well and acts perfectly normal. No noises, slow shifts, jerking, etc. that would indicate an internal transmission problem. Car runs and drives smooth as butter.
As said before, any help would be greatly appreciated as I am getting to the point where I just want to get rid of the car and buy something else. If this can be fixed, then I'll keep driving the car as I've spent thousands of dollars on parts and labor. I work at the establishment that the car has been brought to each time there was a problem. I know the work done was good and all parts used were sourced from NAPA, except the transmission, which I sourced from a wrecked, low mile 2008 model, (4.0, 6spd, same as my car)
Thanks everyone. Looking forward to some opinions about this issue. Also, this is my first post on this forum.
Anyways, onto the issue. Before I discuss the symptoms, here is a quick list of the parts I have replaced. This car has had the "Click, no start" issue since I've had it.
Transmission replaced at 206k miles. Starter motor has been replaced twice, as well as related relay modules. Ignition switch has been replaced. Fluid change, new battery, new transmission range sensor (pressure sensor).
Symptoms are following. Car has done this ever since I bought it (Auction car, very good physical condition, purchased at 199k miles at a steal of a price)
When engine is full cold, it will start normally. Say, for example, I drive to the gas station and shut off the warmed engine. When trying to restart, the car will weakly click one time. (electrical connections are tight) To get it to start, I removed the cap from the starter relay and hand bridged the connection. The motor will then start spinning over the engine, then I must run to the cabin, hold the key to "START" position for about a second then it will catch and run on its own. This issue is getting the better of me now. I don't believe it to be the starter motor as I've replaced that twice now and each time the motors tested as "GOOD" units. They spring out, spin, and retreat as intended. No odd noises or behaviors are observed, except the weak "Click" sound if I just try and use the ignition switch in the cabin to start the engine, only does this when warmed up. Keys are genuine and batteries are good so I doubt it's related to anti-theft. Both of my keys will work if I use the method above to start.
Seems like a simple issue. I have replaced fuses, relays, etc. that relate to the car's starting system and when I manually force that electricity from the relay to the motor, it spins over quickly and sounds strong. However the simple fixes do not have an effect. The range sensor was replaced as one time the car became unaware of what gear it was in, causing a no start under any condition issue. Since replacing that sensor, the car will start every time when I force that pulse through by pressing the golden tab into the coil on the relay.
Has anyone had this issue, and if so what did you do to fix it? Could someone provide a schematic for the 4.0, 6spd auto cars that shows ground locations? I believe the issue resides somewhere between the ignition switch and the junction box under the hood that contains all the fuses and relays. Because from that junction box to the starter, everything seems to act as it should. Keep in mind ignition switch was replaced with an OEM part, brand new of course. I don't believe it is in the transmission either, as the transmission was replaced and the valve body was dropped to change the range sensor. Transmission shifts well and acts perfectly normal. No noises, slow shifts, jerking, etc. that would indicate an internal transmission problem. Car runs and drives smooth as butter.
As said before, any help would be greatly appreciated as I am getting to the point where I just want to get rid of the car and buy something else. If this can be fixed, then I'll keep driving the car as I've spent thousands of dollars on parts and labor. I work at the establishment that the car has been brought to each time there was a problem. I know the work done was good and all parts used were sourced from NAPA, except the transmission, which I sourced from a wrecked, low mile 2008 model, (4.0, 6spd, same as my car)
Thanks everyone. Looking forward to some opinions about this issue. Also, this is my first post on this forum.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4
Hey darealSoulless,
Did you ever figure out / resolve this issue?
I have a 2007 Pacifica with 135K. I'm have the same / similar issue.
Cold start, no problem.
Once I drive it and it's warm, if I stop / shut off engine lets say a quick stop at a convenience store, then I go to start the car again, I have a weak start or I can hear the starter gear hit as to engage the fly wheel, but no start.
I've look at the above video but 1) I don't have a distributor and 2) I don't have a long crank issue.
Thx
BTW: my alternator is about 1 year old. My first hack at this was to get a new battery. I bought a AGM battery rated for this car (4.0L).
Did you ever figure out / resolve this issue?
I have a 2007 Pacifica with 135K. I'm have the same / similar issue.
Cold start, no problem.
Once I drive it and it's warm, if I stop / shut off engine lets say a quick stop at a convenience store, then I go to start the car again, I have a weak start or I can hear the starter gear hit as to engage the fly wheel, but no start.
I've look at the above video but 1) I don't have a distributor and 2) I don't have a long crank issue.
Thx
BTW: my alternator is about 1 year old. My first hack at this was to get a new battery. I bought a AGM battery rated for this car (4.0L).
Last edited by Rich Ard; Jun 20, 2023 at 01:08 PM.
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