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I have a dodge 2.0 SXT 2002.  All of a sudden one day it just won't start.  Battery looks fine, as all lights are nice and bright.  Some guy helped me with the car and made it direct (or at least that is what I got out of the conversation we had).  Now I have to put the key in ignition and turn it until I get the lights on and then open the hood and join the wires to start.

The guy went on vacation now.  Not sure on what the problem is?  Don't want to take it to a mechanic until knowing the cause myself.

Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated as to what could be wrong and where to look for it.

Dear Masoodhn,

I hope hope your friend didn't cut any wires. If you are standing at the front left wheel with the hood open you should see the fuse and relay box. If you are lucky the wires you have to touch together are inserted in the upper left of the box. If so, pull them out take a different relay like a/c (they look like small black Legos without the bumps. Once you put the Air Conditioning relay in the slot the starter relay should be try starting the car normal. If it works replace the a/c relay back in it correct slot and go to the parts department at the dealer and get a new starter relay, the part n umber is right on top and the same as the a/c relay if your friend chucked the bad one.  IF THE WIRES YOUR FRIEND INSTALLED ARE NOT IN THE FUSE BOX LEAVE THEM ALONE. Try the idea I explained first, hopefully it will still fix your problem. If not, e-mail me with your telephone number and explain to me where these wires are. I am crippled now but I am still a ASE Master Mechanic and if you are in So CA you can bring it by and I can figure it out in person. I have a wrecked 2001 and am parting out on it so I can get you any part you need cheaper than anyone and have some neat upgrades you might be interested in too.

Good luck and feel free to e-mail me

Courtney Phillips

Dogtown1@mac.com