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I have a 2002 Chrysler Sebring and started having electrical problems last summer. The problem at first was just the stereo would quit working as you were driving. Then it got to the point where the car needed boosted just to get started. Not all the time. But every so often. This winter it was almost daily, so I replaced the battery. Started excellent for a month or so (no stereo though) and now it is doing it again. Everything else seems to be working fine, and I checked and replaced radio fuses. Any ideas? Boosting a car all the time is a pain.
Time to check out the performance of the alternator and, if this second item is external to the alternator, its regulator. Should the output voltage not be within specifications (usually in the range of 13.8 to 14.2 volts, and higher for the first few minutes of operation), then try another regulator (if external) and test again. Should the alternator perform properly with a new regulator. that will end the problem; if not, replace the alternator. As well, should the alternator be equipped with an internal regulator, replace the alternator.
Do check these out before simply replacing the alternator out-of-hand. Alternators do last pretty well, and there could be other problems, such as parasitic leakage currents drawn by other devices on the main bus, that can drain a battery. Leakage current can be due to the developing failure of an auxiliary device, or could simply due to something being connected directly to the battery which should have been powered from the accessory bus. While the former may require device replacement (or simply disconnection if it is a purely optional device, not required for anything affecting safety as defined by applicable motor vehicle codes), the latter would require only reconnection to the proper bus, that being the one which is energised only when the key switch is in the "ACC" position. In that latter case, do be aware of the current requirement of the accessory device being powered, and select or add a suitably-rated fuse or circuit-breaker, as appropriate.
A possible clue might be found in the fact that the stereo began having faults prior to the other problems beginning. One very simple test may be to disconnect the stereo completely, and see if that reduces or eliminates the need for boosting.
One hopes that this WILL eliminate that need ... unfortunately, being subject to continual discharge is not very good for lead-acid batteries however, this being a major cause of sulfation and ultimate battery failure ... kind of a sad outcome for a new battery! The battery can be checked for this problem however, and sulfation effects can be reversed to some extent if NOT too far advanced. At the end of the day, the test of the battery will be whether you can rely on it to start the vehicle when you need it!
Good luck ... EGK
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you. I was considering the alternator and regulator but haven't tested yet. Hopefully this will lead to a problem solve. Thanks again! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Ernest (Ernie) Kenward
Expertise
The challenges I most enjoy are thoughtful technical questions of a trouble-shooting nature in both electrical, power electronic and mechanical systems, mainly automotive but also machine control and small-machine PLC applications. Please note, however, that I am NOT a walking shop manual! I DO, however, make it a point to have those manuals and other service literature for those vehicles I DO own, and highly recommend that anyone serious about maintenance or modification of their vehicles do the same; MOST of your answers WILL be found there. For that matter, I do NOT go out of my way to acquire shop manuals for any vehicle I do NOT own! That being the case, any general query to me along the lines of "What is the meaning of this code read from the ECU of my 2015 XYZ?" or "Where is the fuse for the windshield washer pump found?" (try your car's electrical distribution panel for a start!) will not go far. What I do offer is a pretty good collection of literature, insights and hands-on experience with 1950s to 1980's Ford products (plus a developing database of information and practice with the Mercedes diesel cars), along with an engineering perspective and the ability to design and implement custom control, electrical and mechanical subsystems for vehicles. For that reason, I am happy to make my thoughts and efforts available to those who are of like mind and/or are seriously making a point of learning about their vehicles. Use the Opportunity to Learn!
Experience
A key skill in my work and hobby pursuits both is STRATEGIC TROUBLESHOOTING. I am a senior instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at a leading Canadian polytechnic, my areas being Electrical Power and Industrial Control, electrical and electronics design and manufacturing, and AutoCAD and related CAD/CAE software - plus equipment problem-solving and new equipment design and prototyping.
Hobby-wise, I have 30-plus years of experience in auto restoration, mostly in electrical and mechanical systems. Ongoing projects include a 1959 Edsel Corsair, my 1978 Ford E250 class-B motorhome conversion, and the care and upkeep of my Mercedes 300CD.
My vehicles become engineering test beds for electrical and mechanical upgrades as ideas present themselves. This includes the design and production of circuit boards to restore or enhance features for which no OEM replacement parts are obtainable, or where better specifications or reliability can be had via newer concepts. Regarding the E250 RV conversion, I designed and continue to revise a custom power distribution system, managed by a Programmable Controller (PLC); this has made most revisions as easy as uploading new firmware as I develop it.
The "mini" PLC is a powerful device for custom automotive control systems. One good example (there are many) would be the Moeller "Easy Relay"; these offer a wealth of control, monitoring and variable-and-status display options for such projects. A good example project which has worked well is that one for my RV noted above, which has been on the job - revised in firmware only - for a decade now. It is a load management and charging control system to avoid the sulfation-induced early failure that often befalls deep-cycle batteries used in RV power applications. The battery installed in 2003 lasted long enough to more tnan pay for the PLC that contributed to its longer life ... and the PLC will be there for the next battery as well!
Organizations
IEEE - senior member ... past WCC Student Activities;
SME - senior member ... past chair, greater Vancouver chapter chair 318;
Edsel Owners' Club - have served in various capacities on chapter executive during seventies;
have been Power and Driveline resource on the Edsel Owners' Club "E-team" for more than a decade.
Education/Credentials
Graduate of UBC
Awards and Honors
Certificates of appreciation from IEEE and SME for work in student and chapter activities
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