Expert: Roland Finston - 10/6/2011

Question
I have a 2000 chrysler concorde with a 2.7L. that I have had for 3 years. The battery drains down overnight and i have replaced the battery and alternator. Last night it did not drain the battery when the key was carefully turned off all the way till it stops- if the car is off but the key is turned forward very slightly(maybe 1/32") the battery drains. Also the interior lights intermittently flash while driving and sometimes when the car is off, and the radio has a cracking/popping sound for years now. Wondering if it could be the ignition switch or the lock cylinder? Also the key can be pulled out when the car is started- it has been that way since i bought it, but the battery drain is recent.

Answer
Hi Mike,
The ignition lock cylinder may be worn out or the ignition switch which it operates may be loose in its mounting on the opposite side of the column. You can check out the switch mounting by first removing the tilt lever retaining screw and then the lever. Then from underneath go to the seam on the right side that mates the upper steering column cover with the lower steering column cover. At the front of that seam gently pry apart the upper and lower covers till it opens up. Then do the same on the left side. Then lift off the top cover. The lower cover is held in place by a couple of screws. Then inspect to see if the switch is firmly connected to the column on the left side and if it is then inspect as to the interconnection between the lock cylinder and the switch. If you want to remove and replace the lock cylinder let me know.
The interior lights are a symptom of one of the doors not being securely latched enough to push in the button on the frame that turns on and off the lights. Try pushing outward from inside the car on each door to see which one needs adjustment. Then move the latch striker in-board a small amount so as to prevent the lights from coming on due to the door moving outward when the car is in motion. The lights may be coming on when you have the car parked due to this situation and that may be why the battery is discharging.
Roland