2001 Dodge Stratus Alternator

ALICIA EVANS

MEMBER
2001 DODGE STRATUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
83,000 MILES

I want to know the signs that the alternator needs replacing. I have been having trouble for awhile starting the car. I usually have to play around with the ignition to get it to start. It would make a clicking noise when I tried to start the ignition but he lights and signals would work. I would then try it again and then a coupole of turns later it would start. Now I get nothing. One mechanic said the alternator needs replacing as well as the battery. The other said it was a computer chip issue. Please help.

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 3:05 PM

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

If the car makes a continuous clicking sound when you try to start, chances are your battery needs replacing.

Here is what you need to do. Remove the battery from the vehicle, and take it down to an auto parts store. Autozone and Checker O'Reilly will do the test for free. If the battery tests good (which I doubt), reinstall the battery and make sure that your terminals are securely tighten and are free of corrosion, and re-try.

The alternator has nothing to do with the car not starting. That is the battery's job. Once the car is running, then the alternator takes over to keep the engine and all accessories running.

Computer chip? (And a mechanic said this? I would imagine he would have used the term PCM) has very little to do with starting, based on the description that you have given.

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Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 11:27 PM