Charging or ignition system?

Tiny
SACFOX186
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHRYSLER 300M
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
Vehicle starts once and then it won't any more. The panel lights up as usual, but after the first start nothing, nil no lights from the panel, no click sound from the engine. Battery is new. And puts out 12.17 volts. One hint maybe, every time battery has been disconnected and reconnected I get the panel lights yet then it goes black when I try to start.
Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 1:55 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
After the first start and stall, does the theft light stay on or flash?

This sounds like we have a key issue or something related to this. I am attaching the information about this system. Take a look at this and let me know if the light is staying on or flashing and we can go from there.

If it is, we will need to check for codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
SACFOX186
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
Since the battery power wasn't getting through, I went out and gave it a boost, not jump start, and the panel lights came on the door ringing, but the security light did not blink once. I could not put an OBD on because nothing worked.
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
SACFOX186
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  • 38 POSTS
Oops, on the last reply, I went out and hooked up power again to it and this time I closed the doors and locked them and then the VTSS came on and was blinking.
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. So if it is blinking now, what happens when you unlock the doors and try to start the vehicle? This is sounding more and more like a security issue.
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
SACFOX186
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
It only lit up when I closed the doors, with extra power on the battery. During removal of power pack I heard little clicks near the battery, which of course is located in the passenger wheel well. Otherwise everything is totally off, it doesn't lock or unlock, like resulting a drained battery, yet it's fully charged.
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Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. That changes things. The clicking that you are hearing, is this coming from the PDC (pictured) which is under the hood? If it is, we need to touch the relays to see which one is clicking.

A clicking relay is normally low battery power or a faulty relay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

A relay will cause these types of issues. Plus we may want to load check the battery if we haven't done that yet.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

The battery voltage may be fine but the amperage is low and it cannot produce the power needed.
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Thursday, October 8th, 2020 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
SACFOX186
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
I'll see and try my code reader. Maybe at least that might get through to the ECM?
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Friday, October 9th, 2020 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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Yeah. If your code reader will communicate we may have some low voltage codes that could help confirm the issue but I would take the battery to the local parts store and have it tested. If it can't carry a load then it will cause all sorts of issues just like you are seeing.
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
SACFOX186
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
When I went to the auto store, the guy behind the counter said have you tried cleaning the negative cable that's hooked to the body? When I did, it turned over the first time. Ran it for a little bit until I heard gurgling in or near the glove compartment. Lol. I believe I have air in my A/C lines. It continues to start and run with no problem.
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Saturday, October 10th, 2020 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Great news. Yes, the corroded negative battery cable is always overlooked. Glad you got that figured out. Let us know if you need help with the noise issue. Get a new post started if you do but it sounds like you are on the right path with it. Thanks for the update and for using 2CarPros.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new
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Sunday, October 11th, 2020 AT 11:01 AM

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