Stranded at Wawa - 2013 Dodge Dart 2.0 Starter Replacement - We misdiagnosed it to be a starter!

Today we worked on a 2013 Dodge dart with the 2.0 liter motor. While we initially diagnosed the problem to be the starter we found after replacing the starter it was actually a ground issue. If you believe your starter is failed check out our video • Dodge Dart No Crank No... where we show you how a bad/dirty ground connection caused this Dart to not start. We failed on our diagnosis because when doing the voltage test to the starter I used part of the frame as the ground for the test light and voltmeter. So I was getting voltage as expected but since I didn't use the motor or starter as ground my test was flawed.
If you do find that your starter is bad follow along in this video to replace it.
Tools :
Compound/needle nose pliers
13MM
14 MM
15 MM
10 MM

[@robbonaiuto3501]

I just did this job on the ground with my car on stands, in a parking lot, in Florida, in the middle of August, with a ratchet set and some long pliers. It can be done. Took me about 90 minutes. Some things to keep in mind are: I recommend cutting that stupid fiberglass ridden panel off, you will get the living crap cut out of your forearms and hands so be prepared, bend back the side of the heat shield facing the opening or you may accidentally commit suicide by wrist cutting, and lastly HAVE PATIENCE!!! Be prepared to try different angles and what not because the back bolt is a beattcchhhh. Also, the top terminal with the positive connection is somewhat difficult to get to. When reinstalling its EXTREMELY difficult out to get that cable back on. I removed all the plastic tabs that hold the cable all the way down so I could get an extra inch or so of tug and that made ALL the difference. Then I re-secured as necessary. ALWAYS pull the negative cable off the battery first before ANY work on the starter unless you want sparks directly in your face while you’re essentially trapped under your car! Some positives: Once you get most of these bolts semi loose you can probably turn them all by hand. I’d don’t have to ride anything all the way in or out. There are only 2 BOLTS, one nutted wire(positive cable) and a simple wire with clip (use long azzz screwdriver to push tab and slide out at the same time). I think that’s it. (2.4L SXT)

[@JustFixinGarage]

Thanks for the thorough details ! I did post a better video recently when I did this on a 2.4 (same process you described and patience is needed to get the proper angle )

[@Bandit69ply]

I gotta tell ya bro, some people are STILL just throwing parts at the starting problem with this car! Ever since i watched your video last year, i still haven't had a single issue starting my car. I want to thank you again for being honest and sharing what you discovered

[@JustFixinGarage]

Thanks man I appreciate the follow up and feedback it means a lot ! :)

[@Bandit69ply]

@Just-Fix-in Garage I've been sharing what you found to be the actual issue and sharing it with other Dart owners. Thanks again. BTW, Are you actually in Ontario? I never noticed Wawa in your title when I watched your video. Lol I'm in Windsor.

[@ronshilts3425]

Nice magnetic work light. What is it?

[@JustFixinGarage]

I think it was a cheap Amazon one . I use a harbor freight icon one now .

[@mderr86]

I came here expecting to see a video of someone fixing a car in a Wawa parking lot, just for the fact that I'm homesick for a Wawa after being in San Diego for 2 months, Needless to say at least I know where the starter is now because even the dealership publications blow.

[@JustFixinGarage]

Our wawas around here won’t let you work on cars in the parking lot :/

[@teriawilliams3594]

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful for my car. Having the same issue.

[@JustFixinGarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYPYkK2Qdpabe9Usi=tuyjrWF4kvm4WKs1

[@JustFixinGarage]

I also have another starter replacement video that goes on more detail

[@teriawilliams3594]

I just found it. Thank you so much. 🎉

[@JustFixinGarage]

@@teriawilliams3594 instead of testing with a wire a jumper cable from ground on battery to the alternator bolt probably would work better. You see in the video . Definitely test that first otherwise it’s starter time .

[@dmoneybig1]

What keeps blowing my starter fuse?

[@spyplane3979]

An $8 million dollar class action settlement has just been reached to compensate those drivers. If you own a certain Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat vehicle with the 2.4L Tigershark engine, you may be eligible to receive an extended warranty, cash payments and product improvement benefits.

[@JustFixinGarage]

I wonder what each person involved will get from it. Sometimes those class action cases each person gets peanuts while the lawyers rake it in :/

[@spyplane3979]

I almost bought dodge dart gt . But after i found out all the issues with oil consumption and bad quality control of the 2.4 tigershark engine due to bad oil consumption .These cars can go through as much as a 1quart of oil in 500 miles to a 1k . I decided to shop for a more reliable car.

[@JustFixinGarage]

Hard to find any low cost car without lots of bugs and issues. There are many darts that take abuse and there’s some that are nothing but headaches. For the price I think Nissan has some good inexpensive cars.

[@spyplane3979]

@@JustFixinGarage I would not recommend nissan due to cvt chains wearing and you will find flakes if u do a check in the fluid . There is another video on youtube i watched reason why cvt has shorter lifespan.And the recomended oil change interval for cvt in manual from another mechanic perspective said it would not be enough to extend the life of it. He suggested the manufactures interval is not enough.

[@JustFixinGarage]

@@spyplane3979 I have heard that as well but I also have had a few in here and I know for a fact the owners neglect changing the fluid on time . Cvts apparently need changed like every 30k and if not it’s like a death sentence. I still do get concerns about a transmission ran by belts and rubber bands lol

[@uriahstivers8125]

That's the problem with these cars. The 2.0 is reliable and well built, but painfully underpowered, and gets fairly bad gas mileage for such a small engine. The 2.4 and 1.4 have plenty of power, but are both ridden with issues

[@Robert-zy8vo]

I've had my dart for 10 years and never had problems out of it until I started hearing a click when I went to start it

[@jeffjones2806]

That’s big bolt is the only problem that’s messing with me 😭

[@JustFixinGarage]

Don't give up you can get it! It helps I have super long arms to get to the back bolt. That and very long pliers. Did you make sure your issue wasn't a bad ground? I have a video on that. We ended up changing this starter for nothing . Talk about a pita job for nothing :D

[@travisnotch382]

10 mins yeah right lol

[@JustFixinGarage]

Struggling ? I just did this on a 2.4 and it’s the same process and posted a video for it .