Chrysler Repair: 1998 Stratus wont start: starter motor unreliable, neutral safety switch, starter solenoid

Question
1998 stratus won't start. just clicks. when does start runs and drives fine. doesn't do it all the time. no check engine light.

Answer
Hi Dick,
A soft click coming from the power distribution box under the hood is the sound of the starter relay. It proves that the ignition switch and park/neutral safety switch are working. A louder click from the underside of the engine also proves that the connection from the relay to the starter solenoid is working. So in most cases, a loud click means that the only reason the engine won't reliably crank is that:
1 the battery is too weak to activate the starter motor, or
2 the starter motor armature/brushes/windings are compromised and the motor needs to be rebuilt/replaced, or
3 the cable that connects the battery to the starter motor is loose/corroded/compromised at one end or the other.
You can remove the - post clamp at the battery (for reasons of electrical safety) and verify whether or not 3 is the problem. Then reconnect the - post clamp.
You can check 1 by checking the charge level of the electrolyte in the battery with an hygrometer, or by considering how old it is relative to its warranty life.
If you satisfy yourself that 1 and 3 are not the cause then it is time to remove and either get the motor rebuilt or trade it in for a rebuilt motor. I prefer doing the former it the motor is the one that came with the vehicle.
That is how I approach such a situation.
Please let me know if something else comes to light or you have a further question.
Roland