stretch
09-22-2003, 08:13 PM
I have recently been having an electrical problem with my 97 stratus.
First of all, in the not too distant past my previous battery would not quite stay topped off charge-wise. About every 5-6 weeks I would have to put the charger on overnite since the battery would slowly become weak. That would seem to take care of the problem, until one day the car just wouldnt start. I tried jumping it off but that didnt help. I had to take the battery out of the car and charge it overnite and then jump it off..which did work.
I took the battery back to the place of purchase (it was less than 2 yrs old), they replaced it with a new one.
Since that time, I have noticed that the car blows a 20a fuse in the fuse block under the hood..the fuse is for the fuel pump/ignition. There is no rhyme or reason for this, since replacing the fuse sometimes will allow the car to start and other times I will blow 3-4 fuses in a row before the car starts.
Also, when the fuse is blown, placing the sw in the accessory position the radio doesnt work.(this may or may not be significant)
Once running, the car is absolutely FINE..which is totally exasperating.
Is there anyone (owner or moderator/dodge representative) who
1-- has experienced this type trouble
2-- might know where I might be able to look to try to isolate
this type of trouble..
I am a technician, but not automotive, am very familiar with troubleshooting, but havent any idea how to segment in order to isolate for this. Any assistance would be very much appreciated..
thanks,,,,Stretch
First of all, in the not too distant past my previous battery would not quite stay topped off charge-wise. About every 5-6 weeks I would have to put the charger on overnite since the battery would slowly become weak. That would seem to take care of the problem, until one day the car just wouldnt start. I tried jumping it off but that didnt help. I had to take the battery out of the car and charge it overnite and then jump it off..which did work.
I took the battery back to the place of purchase (it was less than 2 yrs old), they replaced it with a new one.
Since that time, I have noticed that the car blows a 20a fuse in the fuse block under the hood..the fuse is for the fuel pump/ignition. There is no rhyme or reason for this, since replacing the fuse sometimes will allow the car to start and other times I will blow 3-4 fuses in a row before the car starts.
Also, when the fuse is blown, placing the sw in the accessory position the radio doesnt work.(this may or may not be significant)
Once running, the car is absolutely FINE..which is totally exasperating.
Is there anyone (owner or moderator/dodge representative) who
1-- has experienced this type trouble
2-- might know where I might be able to look to try to isolate
this type of trouble..
I am a technician, but not automotive, am very familiar with troubleshooting, but havent any idea how to segment in order to isolate for this. Any assistance would be very much appreciated..
thanks,,,,Stretch