Caliber No-Start: Tracing Dead Ignition Signal Issues

I had a very similar issue with my 2008 Avenger last winter. With some experience working on basic car electronics, I understand how frustrating these no-start conditions can be. The symptoms were identical, no power to the ignition system. After checking the battery terminal connections, I discovered the main power supply to the ignition was compromised due to a damaged wiring harness connection near the steering column. The relay switch controlling the ignition circuit had a corroded plug connection. Took it to my regular workshop where they diagnosed a circuit break in the main ignition wiring. They had to partially remove the steering column cover to access and repair the faulty connection. Total repair cost was 95€, mainly labor since only a connector needed replacement. Before suggesting specific checkpoints for your case, could you share: Does the instrument cluster light up when turning the key? Are you getting any clicking sound from the relay switches? Have you noticed any intermittent electrical issues before this complete failure? Did you recently have any work done near the steering column? This would help narrow down if your Caliber is experiencing the same wiring harness issue as my Avenger did.

Thank you for sharing your experience. My Caliber has 96597 KM and was last serviced 3 months ago. Looking at the symptoms you described, my case sounds different since my starter solenoid does click and the cluster lights work normally. The power supply to the ignition system seems intermittent, sometimes working for a few seconds before cutting out completely. After reading your reply, I checked all relay switches in the fuse box and noticed slight corrosion on the ignition switch relay connector. Cleaning it helped temporarily but the issue returned. Suspect this could point to a deeper wiring harness problem rather than just a corroded connection. Will examine the wiring near the steering column as you suggested since that area seems to be a common trouble spot.

Thanks for the additional details about your Caliber. Those intermittent issues you described often indicate a more complex electrical problem than just a corroded relay switch. The voltage drop when the system tries to engage suggests a potential issue with the main power distribution. Since cleaning the relay contacts only provided temporary relief, my bet would be on a deteriorating connection deeper in the wiring harness, possibly where it connects to the ignition switch assembly. When my Avenger had similar symptoms, the wiring harness section behind the fuse box had actually developed micro-breaks from engine vibration. These breaks would temporarily reconnect when the harness moved slightly, explaining the intermittent function you described. A quick test you can try: gently wiggle the wiring harness near the steering column and fuse box while an assistant turns the key. If the problem appears or disappears with movement, this confirms a break in the circuit. Also check the voltage at the ignition relay input and output terminals. A reading below 12V when the system is trying to engage would point to a wiring harness issue rather than a faulty relay switch. The repair might require splicing in a new section of wiring harness, less expensive than replacing the entire assembly but still needs proper expertise to ensure reliable connections.

Yes, I see the similarities with your Avenger case. After wiggling the wiring harness as suggested, the ignition system responded differently each time, strongly indicating a wiring issue. The voltage drop test showed only 10.8V at the relay output terminal, confirming your theory about potential breaks in the circuit. I traced the power supply path from the fuse box toward the steering column and found a section where the protective sleeve was slightly damaged. This matches what you described about vibration causing micro-breaks in the wiring harness. Given the intermittent nature and the voltage readings, I agree this is beyond just cleaning connections. Will have a professional check the wiring harness, focusing on the section between the fuse box and ignition switch. The circuit break pattern matches exactly what you experienced. Based on your repair cost reference, setting aside 150€ seems reasonable for this type of wiring harness repair. Better to fix it properly than risk getting stranded somewhere due to a complete starter solenoid failure. Thanks for helping narrow down the problem area and saving me time checking other components.