Volga with a Chrysler engine will not start: 12 reasons and what to do

Owners Volga with engines Chrysler (models 31105, 3110 with 2.4L DOHC engines or 3160 with 2.5L) often encounter a problem when the car refuses to start. Symptoms can range from no response at all to the starter clicking or a jerking engine that stalls after a second. Unlike classic Volga engines (ZMZ-402/406), Chrysler control system more sensitive to electrical problems, sensors and fuel quality.

This article is not about “check the battery” - we will sort it out specific weaknesses exactly Chrysler engines on the Volga: from problems with the NATO immobilizer (if installed) to the nuances of work ignition coils and crankshaft position sensor. You will also find step-by-step instructions for diagnostics without a scanner and tips on how to temporarily “trick” the system in order to get to the service center.

1. Symptoms: how does the car behave?

The first thing to do is record the behavior of the car when trying to start. This will narrow down the possible causes:

• 🔋 No response to the key — the lights on the dashboard do not light up, there are no relay clicks. Probably: battery, main relay, fuses.
• 🔊 The starter clicks but doesn't turn over — Repeated clicks are heard from under the hood. Possibly: the battery is discharged, the ground contact is poor, the starter is faulty.
• ⚙️ The starter turns, but the engine does not “catch” — the crankshaft rotates, but there is no spark in the cylinders. Probably: no spark, no fuel, problems with sensors.
• 🚗 The engine starts and immediately stalls - works for 1–2 seconds. Possible: immobilizer, crankshaft sensor, low fuel pressure.
• ⚡ The engine "sneezes" and does not start - Popping sounds are heard in the exhaust system. Probably: over-enriched mixture, faulty spark plugs, problems with timing belts.

If your case does not fall under any of the points, the problem may be ECU (electronic control unit) or wiring. On Chrysler engines Volga often "glitches" ignition module (coils), which gives an error P0351–P0356 (coil circuit break).

2. Battery and electrical: first checks

Even if you are sure that the battery is charged, Volga with Chrysler there are some nuances:

• 🔋 Terminal voltage must be no less 12.4 V (with the ignition off). When trying to start - no lower 10.5 V. If less - battery is low or faulty.
• 🔌 Check ground on the engine and body. On Chrysler contact often oxidizes ground wire from the battery to the engine (under the intake manifold).
• ⚡ Main relay (in the fuse box) - if it does not click when you turn the key, check it with a multimeter or replace it with a known good one.

Feature Volga with Chrysler: when the battery is weak The ECU may not turn on, and the engine will not start even if the starter turns. This is due to the fact that the control unit requires stable power supply 12 V for initialization.

Symptom	Probable Cause	How to check
No response to the key	Low battery, faulty main relay	Ring the relay, measure the voltage at the terminals
Starter clicks	Weak battery, bad ground	Checking with a voltmeter, cleaning contacts
The starter turns, but does not start	No spark or fuel, DPKV faulty	Checking spark plugs, fuel pressure, DPKV oscilloscope
Starts and stalls	Immobilizer, low fuel pressure	Immo diagnostics, fuel pump check

3. NATO immobilizer: why does it block startup?

Many Volga with Chrysler equipped with an immobilizer NATO (or its analogues). If the system does not recognize the key, the engine will not start, even if everything else is working properly. Signs of a problem with immo:

• 🔑 Immobilizer lamp on the dashboard flashes or stays on.
• 🚗 The engine starts for 1-2 seconds and stalls (the ECU receives a command to turn off the fuel).
• 📛 Some versions may display an error P1610 (key mismatch).

How to bypass the immobilizer temporarily (only to get to the service station!):

1. Remove the plastic trim around the ignition switch.
2. Find immobilizer antenna (ring around the lock) and disconnect its connector.
3. Try starting again - sometimes the ECU allows you to start without checking the key (not on all versions!).

What happens if you drive with the immobilizer disabled?

Disabling the immobilizer disables anti-theft protection! There may also be problems with the operation of the ECU (misfire, unstable idling). On some versions Chrysler the control unit goes into emergency mode with the speed limited to 3000 rpm.

Attention! If the immobilizer has blocked the start, and the lamp on the tidy is constantly on - do not try to start the car more than 3 times in a row. The ECU may record an error in permanent memory, and then flashing will be required.

4. Crankshaft position sensor (CPS): the main reason for “non-start”

On Chrysler 2.4L/2.5L crankshaft sensor - one of the most vulnerable places. If it fails, the engine won't start at all, since the ECU does not know what position the pistons are in. Symptoms:

• ⚡ The starter turns, but there is no spark and no fuel injection.
• 🔧 The dashboard may light up Check Engine, but not always.
• 📊 When diagnosing with a scanner, it often gives an error P0335 (DPKV circuit malfunction).

How to check DPKV without a scanner:

1. Remove the sensor (located on the oil pump cover, next to the crankshaft pulley).
2. Check the resistance between the sensor terminals with a multimeter - it should be 500–700 Ohm.
3. Inspect the connector for oxidation or broken wires (a common problem on the Volga!).

If the sensor is working, but the error remains, check gap between DPKV and drive disk (must be 0.5–1.5 mm). On Chrysler the disc often “goes away” due to wear of the crankshaft bushing.

Remove the sensor from the engine|Check the resistance (500–700 Ohms)|Inspect the connector for oxidation|Ring the wires to the ECU|Check the gap to the drive disk-->

5. Fuel system: pump, filter, injectors

If the starter turns, there is a spark, but the engine does not start - the problem may be fuel system. On Chrysler Most often the culprits are:

• ⛽ Fuel pump - does not create pressure. When you turn the key, you should hear a sound (a buzzing sound under the rear seat).
• 🔄 Fuel pressure regulator - if it is stuck, the pressure in the ramp will be either too high or low.
• 🛢️ Clogged fuel filter — on the Volga it is located under the bottom, next to the gas tank.
• 🔥 Injectors - if they are clogged, fuel does not enter the cylinders.

How to check fuel pressure without a pressure gauge:

1. Remove the return hose from the fuel rail and route it into the bottle.
2. Turn the ignition key - if the pump is working properly, fuel should come out of the hose under pressure.
3. If the fuel barely drips, the problem is in the pump or filter.

Attention! On Chrysler 2.4L often Fuel pump fuse blows (F20, 15A in the block under the hood). Before replacing the pump, be sure to check it!

element	Normal pressure	Symptoms of a problem
Fuel pump	3–4 bar	There is no sound of operation, the engine does not start
Pressure regulator	2.8–3.2 bar	Floating speed, difficult starting
Injectors	—	Troubling, black soot on spark plugs

6. Ignition system: coils, spark plugs, wires

On Chrysler engines Volga is used ignition module (coils) with individual wires for each spark plug. Typical problems:

• ⚡ Cracks in coils - lead to current leakage and lack of spark. Often seen by dark spots on the reel body.
• 🔥 Breakdown of high-voltage wires — checked in the dark (sparks are visible).
• 🛠️ Spark plug wear - on Chrysler It is recommended to use candles NGK TR55 or Champion RC9YC.

How to check the spark without special tools:

1. Unscrew the spark plug from the 1st cylinder.
2. Insert it into the high-voltage wire and apply it to the engine ground.
3. Ask a helper to turn the starter - there should be a bright blue spark. If it is missing or weak, the problem is in the coil or wire.

On Volga with Chrysler often fails coil of 2nd or 3rd cylinder (due to overheating). If the engine stalls but starts, check them first.

7. ECU and wiring: hidden problems

Electronic control unit (ECU) on Chrysler sensitive to voltage surges and poor contacts. If all previous checks have failed, inspect:

• 🔌 ECU connector - it is located under the glove compartment (on some models - under the front panel). Contacts often oxidize or wires come loose.
• 📡 Sensor wiring - especially DPKV and camshaft sensor. On the Volga, wires often rub against the intake manifold.
• 🔋 ECU power supply - must be 12 V on contact +B connector (checked with the ignition on).

If the ECU is faulty, you can try to “reanimate” it:

1. Remove the battery terminal for 10 minutes (memory reset).
2. Check the ECU fuse (F15, 7.5A).
3. If the block is “dead”, it will require flashing or replacement.

Attention! On Volga with Chrysler Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is running - this can damage the ECU!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about launching Volga with Chrysler

The car does not start after washing the engine - what to do?

Most likely, water got into DPKV connector or ignition module. Dry them with a hair dryer (not hot air!) or blow with compressed air. Also check fuses - If there is a short circuit, they could burn out.

The starter turns, but the engine does not start. Wet candles - what are they?

This is a sign fuel overflow. Possible reasons:

• Defective coolant temperature sensor (The ECU “thinks” that the engine is cold and pours more gasoline).
• Crowded injectors - they do not close completely.
• Defective fuel pressure regulator (rail pressure too high).

Solution: unscrew the spark plugs, blow out the cylinders (by turning the starter without spark plugs), then try to start.

Is it possible to start a Volga with a Chrysler “from the push”?

Theoretically it is possible, but not recommended for Chrysler engines. Reasons:

• Risk damage the catalyst (unburnt fuel may ignite in the outlet).
• On automatic transmissions (if installed) this is impossible.
• The ECU may record an error if the engine starts without a signal from the crankshaft sensor.

If you still have to start "by tow", use 3rd gear and don't accelerate too much.

After replacing the battery, the car does not start. What's the matter?

On Volga with Chrysler after disconnecting the battery it may go wrong throttle adaptation. To reset the error:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) for 30 seconds.
2. Turn off the ignition for 10 seconds.
3. Try starting again.

If it doesn't help, check ECU fuse and contacts on the control unit.

Where can I find an electrical diagram for Volga and Chrysler?

Official diagrams are in repair manual GAZ-31105 (for engine Chrysler 2.4L). You can also download:

• Volga-Club Forum (Section “Documentation”).
• Drive2 — search by tag “Volga Chrysler”.
• VKontakte groups dedicated to Volga (for example, Volga Chrysler Club).