2001 Dodge Stratus ES 2.7 wont idle while driving

5

Asked by PuffDaddy68 Sep 01, 2015 at 11:31 AM about the 2001 Dodge Stratus ES Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2001 Dodge Stratus ES 2.7 with 150K mi and am having issues
trying to keep the car running at idle while driving. It turns over with no
issue, and in park, it will idle (however the battery/charging system light will
illuminate after a few seconds). When driving, it will display the battery light
but will drive OK. Only stop signs/lights, it will die.

I have checked all fuses, and had the battery checked. When the car is off,
it measures 12V, however when running it measures 11.5V. I removed the
alternator thinking it was the issue and had it checked at two different auto
stores and they both came back that the alternator passed and is good. Oil
is good (no coolant issues). Windows do move very slow, but lights and
interior lighting illuminates fine.

3 Answers

7,885

at 11.5 the car is getting just enough juice to stay running.as long as there are not other things that are on like break lights and or the radio or other lights. heres a question for you have you jumped the car . if so did at any time it get hooked up backwards. try looking for a charging fuse in the fuse box there might be a 40 or 50 amp fuse for the alternator. check all the fuses which sounds like the alternator is not getting the power to turn on. let me know if the fuses are good

5

Thank you for the help! I don't believe that we have had to jump the car since we have owned it (2 yrs) and i am positive that we haven't in the last ~8 months. I checked all of the fuses and they are all good. With the alternator removed from the car, the car will start and die after about 5 seconds. This can be repeated. I would expect the car to continue to idle until the battery is dead, but this is not the case...

5

Findings: Well, now I'm confused as ever... I reattached the alternator because it was deemed good and sure enough, that fixed the problem! Battery is now charging and reads 12.4V. I'm guessing the alternator power cable may have not been fully contacting, or the serpentine belt was a little loose and may have been slipping... Either way, its working now! Thanks for the help

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