Charging system issues???
Asked by gocuse1 Jul 27, 2016 at 07:34 AM about the 2003 Dodge Stratus SXT Sedan FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
The problem is as I'm driving sometimes the car loses power as if the battery is being drained. The dash lights flicker, gauges go berserk then off, the radio goes off, and if the air is on, it doesn't blow as hard. If you turn the car off at that point, it will not start back. After jumping car off it's fine again until this happens again. If you continue to drive it eventually the dash lights go out, the radio comes back on and the air blows at full strength. Also, after turning engine off, it may or may not crank up as if nothing is wrong then does it again.
Done so far:
Replaced alternator then jump started. Car then died after 1-2 minutes. We repeated this about 5 times. I then had the battery checked and found it was bad and replaced with new battery with new terminal screws/posts. Car started and ran fine at repair site but wasn't driven as it was 11 PM when I finished and had to drive 2 hrs back home. The next day, the issue reoccurred within 8 miles of driving. It started intermittently then finally stopped starting on its own. Any ideas would be appreciated. Engine is 2.4L DOHC.
14 Answers
Check the wire that runs from the alternator to the battery. It should be hot (12 volts +) all the time. Also check the voltage at the battery engine running, it should be 13.5 to 14.7 volts. If it is under 13 the alternator charge is not reaching the battery. Could be a fuse, bad alternator or wiring issue.
Thanks for all of the suggestions. Here's where I'm at. Ultimately narrowed it down to the PCM. Ordered another one and installed per instructions. Once installed, battery was reading 13.9 volts with car running. After letting run for 20 minutes, I took for a test drive. Within 20 minutes of driving, the battery light came on. Took it home and battery now reads 12.38 volts with car running. I took alternator back out and had it checked at 2 different places and tested good at both. Since the PCM regulates the voltage in this car, what in the heck should I look at that would be causing the PCM to go into "safe" mode? All grounds are reading good connections. I have continuity to the PCM and fuses are good. Whom ever thought it was a good idea to have the voltage regulator run through the PCM needs to be strung up by the short and curlys.
I wonder if the parts store sold you the wrong alternator?
http://www.justanswer.com/dodge/12pmm-won-t-alternator- charge.html
Voltage regulator is in computer in 03 models the flickering odometer can be fixed by turning down the dash light brightness one click it's due to over sensitivity to ambient lite. The car automatically dims dash lights in low light situations Roger
Did anyone figure out a fix for this, my car is now doing the same thing
TRY UNPLUGING THE RADIO AMP UNDER PASSINGER SEAT, IT RUST AND CAROIDS BECAUSE OF MOISTER SHORTING OUT WHOLE ELECTRIC SYS. CAUSING CAR TO DIE AND/OR NOT START. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT?? M.HOWARD
Did anybody now the problem i got the same car doing the same thing
The alternator wires on these cars are usually the problem, pull them apart and see if the plastic casing has worn away and if the wires are now touching? Usually a ground issue from this wire and it needs replaced. Unfortunately, wiring is not a favorite money maker for mechanics. Its easier to replace a battery or alternator over and over again until they tell you to get another car!
I have the same problem did everything that's talked about but still have the problem can some one help me
If the battery light on the dash is out it wont complete the circuit...
Small wires behind alternator are bare and melted together. True story. I work at a wrecking yard. I cut another harness at work and the same problem. Separate wires and tape as good as possible. Problem solved.
Check the alternator pigtails, mine were not contacting, and the battery wasn’t charging, bent it back and it started charging up to 14.6v
