2001 Chrysler Town and Country battery discharge and clicki

Tiny
JUNIMEAD
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I just bought this van used and was told at purchase that the power window motor needed to be replaced. After owning it for 7 days, went to start it, battery was dead so we had it jumped and it started for the rest of the day. Next day it won't start, go to jump it and put the key in to back it out of the driveway so the other car can reach and the windshield wipers come on (without the switch being on) and we hear a clicking from the fuse box. Once it was jump started the noise stopped and the van runs fine. Any idea what this could be or if the two things could be related so when I go to talk to the dealership I got it from I don't go uninformed? Thanks so much for any advice in advance.
Monday, February 8th, 2010 AT 12:28 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
So what relay was clicking? Did you pull the fuse relay box cover and feel which relay was clicking? If not then please do that then look on the inside of the lid to see which relay it is and let me know.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
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  • 4 POSTS
The accessory relay
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 12:46 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Well looking at the wiring diagram I would replace the accessory relay. I don't see anything that would trigger it to turn on and off. Let me know how it goes.
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
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Well of course we did that first, that's not my question! Would the two be related, and what would cause the clicking? Too bad I had to pay for an un answer.
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Friday, February 12th, 2010 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
First let me say your response was not productive, you never mentioned that you replaced the relay, there are many relays. I am trying to help and understand what you are asking. If I understand correctly you don't want to figure out the problem and fix it you want to know what could cause it and go to the dealer to have them fix it? Looking over the wiring diagram there is nothing that should make the accessory relay click. When I look over the Power Window Circuit I found something completly different. Now in this circuit the accessory relay is powered buy the front control module, this can power the relay when it shouldn't be powered therefore draining the battery. If you pull the accessory relay term 86 where the module sends the power to it. This is one unit that is know as the intelligent power module it on the left (drivers) side of the engine compartment, this unit contains the accessory relay control as well as the accessory relay. Hope this better answers you question.
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Friday, February 12th, 2010 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
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  • 4 POSTS
Lol no you didn't understand correctly, I'm taking it (as I stated) to the dealership to have them replace the power window motor. What I was trying to ask (besides what could cause it so I could fix it MYSELF) was if the two things were related somehow because perhaps it's another electrical problem and I'd like it resolved as soon as possible since it is the only form of transportation for myself and my children. I'd hate to take it to them for them to fix the windows, only to have yet another related and avoidable electrical issue. I'm sorry I offeded your sensibilities, but if you'd given me the answer I'm quoting after I told you it was the accessory relay instead of treating me like I'm too stupid to know to replace the $15 part, I wouldn't have felt so taken advantage of. A few dollars spent asking a question may not mean a lot to you, but it's what I can afford. Not everyone can just drive into a mechanic and afford to have a vehicle looked at, let alone serviced. Also, most people are very aware that if you go into a mechanic even for an oil change completely uninformed and acting like you know nothing, you're likely to drive out with a brand new $45 serpentine belt you could have replaced at home for $10.
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Friday, February 12th, 2010 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
First let me say I see how you could feel that way, but I never said nor thought that you were stupid. Also like in my shop I never assume that the person has or don't have the money to fix there vehicles, I tell them what should be done and the importants of how to do it and leave it in there hands. If in some way I made you feel less then smart enough then I ask for you forgiveness. Thanks again and if you have anyother questions just ask I will try to do my best.
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Friday, February 12th, 2010 AT 11:01 AM

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