Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Repair and Diagnosis: Electrical: Starter: Starters: Description
The starter motor used in Chrysler Corp. rear wheel drive vehicles consists of 4 parallel fields, 4 brushes and a solenoid-shifted, overrunning clutch. It is a 1.8 horsepower motor with a 2.0:1 gear reduction.
The motor has a shock absorber clutch drive unit, which absorbs the initial shock of cranking and protects the clutch unit from engine backfires during cranking.
The starter system consists of 2 separate circuits, the supply circuit which provides the heavy current to the motor and the control circuit which actuates the solenoid.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.