You press the start button in your Dodge Charger, and nothing happens. Frustrating, right? Push button start systems are convenient when they work, but when your Dodge Charger won’t start with the push button, it can leave you stranded and confused. This guide will walk you through every possible cause and solution, from the simplest fixes to more complex issues that might require professional help.
Why Your Dodge Charger Push Button Start Isn’t Working
Push button start systems rely on multiple components working together perfectly. When one fails, your morning commute turns into an unexpected adventure. Let’s tackle the most common problems first.
Dead Key Fob Battery – Your #1 Culprit
A dead key fob battery is the most common reason your Dodge Charger won’t start with the push button. When your car displays “Key Fob Not Detected,” don’t panic! There’s a simple emergency workaround:
- Press and hold the brake pedal
- Take your key fob and press the nose/top directly against the push start button
- While holding the fob against the button, press the start button
This works because your key fob contains a backup transponder chip that can communicate with your car through direct contact, even when the battery is completely dead.
The Emergency Key You Didn’t Know You Had
If you can’t even get into your car because the key fob is dead:
- Look for a small silver tab on your key fob
- Slide it and pull out the hidden emergency key
- Use this key to manually unlock the driver’s door
- Once inside, use the fob-to-button contact method described above
Vehicle Battery Issues – More Common Than You Think
Your Charger’s push button start system needs proper voltage to function. Even a “good” battery can have insufficient voltage for these sensitive electronic systems.
Testing Your Battery Health
For reliable starting, your battery should maintain:
- Resting voltage: 12.5-12.6 volts
- Running voltage: 13.5-14.5 volts
Warning signs of battery problems:
- Remote start only works for 10 seconds before dying
- Push button completely unresponsive
- Interior lights dimming
- Multiple electrical systems acting strangely
If you don’t have a multimeter, most auto parts stores will test your battery for free.
The Fuse and Relay Hunt
When your push button shows no lights or response whatsoever, check these critical fuses and relays:
Under Hood Fuse Box
- Fuse #4: 30-amp starter fuse
- Fuses #31, #34, #35, #37: Engine management fuses
- Relay #27 and #59: Starter relays
- Relay #63: ASD (Automatic Shutdown) relay
Trunk Fuse Box
- Relay #29: Ignition switch relay
- Relay #14: Additional ignition relay (some models)
Always check fuses with the vehicle off and keep a diagram handy – your owner’s manual typically includes fuse locations.
When Your Brake Pedal Feels Like Concrete
Ever tried to start your Charger and found the brake pedal is rock hard? This is surprisingly common and will prevent your push button start from working.
Why Your Brake Pedal Gets Stiff
- Exhausted brake vacuum: Happens when the brake pedal was pressed multiple times with the engine off
- Brake booster issues: Possible vacuum leak or failed booster
- Physical obstruction: Floor mats or debris blocking pedal travel
Quick Solutions
- Wait 5-10 minutes without touching the brake, then try again
- Check for objects behind the brake pedal
- Verify your brake lights work (if they don’t, your start system won’t detect brake pedal depression)
The Critical Brake Light Switch
Your Charger’s push button start system requires confirmation that you’re pressing the brake pedal before it will start. This is verified through the brake light switch.
Testing the Brake Light Switch
- Have someone watch your brake lights while you press the pedal
- If the lights don’t illuminate, your brake light switch may be faulty
- The switch is located above the brake pedal under the dashboard
A bad brake light switch will make your push button completely unresponsive, even if everything else is working perfectly.
Complete Power Loss Scenarios
If you have no interior lights, no dashboard response, and only the “OFF” light shows on the push button, you’re dealing with a more serious electrical issue:
Possible Causes
- Loose battery ground connections
- Failed Body Control Module (BCM)
- Communication breakdown between electronic modules
Emergency Reset Procedure
This 30-minute reset can sometimes restore communication between modules:
- Disconnect both battery terminals
- Hold the positive and negative terminals together for 30 minutes (this drains residual power)
- Reconnect the battery
This reset procedure has saved many Charger owners from expensive diagnostic fees.
The Transmission Position Trap
Your Dodge Charger must be in Park (or sometimes Neutral) for the push button start to work. A faulty park/neutral safety switch can prevent starting even when the shifter appears to be in the correct position.
Quick Test
If your car won’t start in Park, try starting it in Neutral instead. If it starts in Neutral but not Park, your park/neutral safety switch likely needs adjustment or replacement.
Module Communication Failures
Modern Chargers rely on multiple electronic modules communicating perfectly with each other. When they stop talking, your push button start can fail.
Common Symptoms
- Error code U0140 (lost communication between ECU and BCM)
- Intermittent starting issues
- Multiple electrical systems behaving erratically
These issues typically require professional diagnosis with specialized scan tools that can communicate with your Charger’s complex electronic systems.
The Security System Lockout
Your Charger’s security system can prevent starting if it detects a potential theft attempt.
Security System Requirements
- Hood must be completely closed (check hood latch and hood pin switch)
- Doors must be locked for some remote start functions
- No active security system warnings
If your security light is flashing rapidly, the system may have entered anti-theft mode, requiring a reset procedure.
Comprehensive Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Symptoms | Quick Check | Likely Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Key Fob | “Key Fob Not Detected” message | Press fob directly against start button | Replace key fob battery |
| Vehicle Battery | Dim/no lights, slow cranking | Check battery voltage (should be 12.5V+) | Charge or replace battery |
| Blown Fuse | No response from button | Check starter fuse (#4) and ignition fuses | Replace blown fuse |
| Hard Brake Pedal | Can’t depress brake pedal | Wait 5-10 min without touching brake | Normal vacuum will return |
| Brake Light Switch | Start button unresponsive | Check if brake lights work | Replace brake light switch |
| Wrong Gear | Engine won’t crank | Verify in Park, try Neutral | Adjust shifter position |
| Module Failure | Multiple electrical issues | Perform 30-min battery reset | Professional diagnosis |
When DIY Isn’t Enough
If you’ve tried all the basic troubleshooting steps and your Dodge Charger still won’t start with the push button, it’s time to consider these more serious issues:
- BCM failure or programming issues
- Wiring harness problems
- Multiple module communication failures
- Advanced security system malfunctions
These problems typically require dealer-level diagnostic equipment to properly identify and resolve. The push button start system in Dodge Chargers integrates multiple electronic modules, so persistent problems often need professional scan tool diagnosis to identify specific fault codes and module communication issues.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
To avoid future starting issues with your Dodge Charger:
- Keep a spare CR2032 battery for your key fob
- Have your vehicle battery tested every oil change
- Keep battery terminals clean and tight
- Consider a battery tender for vehicles not driven daily
- Address check engine lights promptly before they affect other systems
Your Dodge Charger’s push button start system is sophisticated but not infallible. By understanding common failure points and having a systematic approach to troubleshooting, you can resolve most issues without expensive dealer visits.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you’ll know exactly what to do the next time your Dodge Charger won’t start with the push button.
