battery cable came loose and cleaned and replaced it. the car starts but wants to die. the air and radio went out briefly a few days before the car didnt start and I found the loose cable.

Asked by Robin Sep 08, 2012 at 11:26 AM about the 2003 Chrysler Sebring LX Coupe FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I then started the car and stepped on the gas with the head lights on and they got brighter and was told it was the
altenator. I was then told to drive it for 10 miles to reset it, whatever that means. I hate to drive it 10 miles and then
have to walk home. it is starting fine now but wanting to die and all the lights and things are working.....any ideas
would be helpful as im really tight on cash and trying to stay cheap with this but it is my only car.....:( thanks

2 Answers
2,995

Samuel answered 12 years ago

Easy way to test your alternator. Start your car then remove the positive cable from the battery. If the alternator is bad, the car should die.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
61,205

Andrew answered 12 years ago

Its hard to do that test if the car wants to die as it is. If the car idles low the alternator cant produce a proper voltage. AKA when it's stalling and dropping rpm's. This is normal alternator behavior to be a lower voltage at idle. I would disconnect the battery negative cable for about a minute and then try to run it again to let everything reset. A loose cable can casue voltage spikes and damage sensors or worse the PCM. Chances are if your not having to jump start the car the alternator is fine. But if you see you lights surging with a constant rpm then the alternator is bad and replace it.

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Sebring

Looking for a Used Sebring in your area?

CarGurus has 37 nationwide Sebring listings starting at $4,500.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Chrysler Sebring Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Sparky222
    Reputation
    4,970
  • #2
    ces13
    Reputation
    2,860
  • #3
    C Daigle
    Reputation
    2,770
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
62 Great Deals out of 1,288 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,916 listings starting at $2,975
Used Chrysler PT Cruiser
13 listings starting at $4,888
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,066 listings starting at $15,871
Used Ford F-150
338 Great Deals out of 15,311 listings starting at $1,712
Used Nissan Frontier
27 Great Deals out of 880 listings starting at $5,998
Used Chrysler Town & Country
114 listings starting at $4,990

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.