'09 DJ SXT AWD Won't Start After Driving

[frostxinfinity]

Hello all,

 

So I have a 2009 Dodge Journey SXT AWD. When the vehicle is driven for 15 minutes or longer, randomly it will not start. There is a click, all interior lights come on, headlights, radio, etc. If I wait 10 - 30 minutes, most times it will start again. Battery reads 12.8V, I cleaned the battery contacts and ran a secondary ground wire to the engine block. I wouldn't think that would be a battery or starter issue at this point because every time this happens I am able to jump start it and be on my way. I don't have to wait for the battery to charge or tap the starter with a small wrench or something. 

 

Is it possible for a battery to read fine but still have a bad cell causing this intermittently? If it is the starter why does it start with a jump from a handheld 800A/18,000mAh jump pack or the old fashioned jumper cables to another vehicle, every time? I know this vehicle is notorious for stuff like this and I have had a decent share of starter, battery, battery terminal corrosion, alternator issues over the years...but this is the first vehicle that everything seems to work fine (exterior lights, interior lights, radio, remote lock/unlock), click no turnover, a jump starts it almost instantly every time, and this only happens after the vehicle has been driven for some time and is turned off. (i.e. stopping at the store for groceries and then attempting to return home) I know this question has been asked a billion times but I didn't quite find a thread with what I felt matched this exact scenario.

 

Is it possible that the starter is "catching" and the battery is weak (even though proper voltage is displayed on the multimeter) but a jump kinda "pushes" the starter through that catch point? I apologize if this sounds stupid but I am just trying my best to relay my understanding of this or lack thereof.

 

Thanks for any info you may have and have a pleasant day/night!

[5rebel9]

So, a 3.5 V6 motored older NE USA (and probably rustbelt area) DJ with how many miles?

   Your description sends loud signals of under heat up conditions of high resistance of the + side, not the ground. Common for the + battery cable connector and battery post to develop an insulating "scum" that can show your symptom.

Also connections under the TIPM that go out to trans and starter(among many other things) can loose good pin connection, 

Have also heard of transmission range sensor(gear position indicator/neutral safety) may not be working quite right. Try putting into N and see if it will start  Also due to age, check shift cable connector to trans for wear that may sometimes not fully engage the P position INSIDE the trans with the trans. range position sensor.

 

LOTS of "possibles" here, but I would start out as listed   ...   GOOD LUCK and report back how you fare out with this.

Edited November 13, 2022 by 5rebel9