Although I've read through 9 pages of the relay control module thread, it didn't seem that they had my problem.

I've got a black 2007 basic six speed. I let it sit for a week, when we had some snow last month. When I tried starting it, I got the clicking, but it finally started. This happened twice. I reasoned that from sitting the brushes got a little corrosion, but we worked through it. so I put the issue behind me.

Yesterday and today, I had more trouble. After repeated attempts yesterday, she finally started. Today, I can't get her to turnover. I just get the click,click,click,clicking. The battery was reading 12.37 volts.

Unfortunately, I'm not on a hill where I could try to jump it into gear. That almost worked for me yesterday, until she finally started. Has anyone else had this kind of starter problem? I only have 19000 miles on her, and I think I have until May when the three years are up for the bumper to bumper warranty. I bought the car at a Chrysler dealer back in June '09. Does the warranty cover a tow into the dealership? Should I try jump starting her with battery cables from another car?

rennie

 

Loosen and re tighten the wires and try again. Check the battery terminal connections. If you are able to do it remove the starter and inspect the workings of it. Where are the clicks coming from, the starter itself or the engine bay? If a brush is sticking in its holder it will work at times but not making good contact it will be intermittent.
The amount of `debris' found inside a used starter motor shows the violent action that takes place there, it is a wonder they work for so long.

 

When you are through playing with the starter take that battery in to Autozone, PepBoys or whatever and have them test it (free). It may have the voltage but not enough amps to crank the car.

'Course if I had a BLACK Crossfire with this problem it would be just enough of an excuse to get rid of it for a Crossfire in any other color.

But that's just me.

 

If the battery starts the car off and on, then the battery would appear to be OK.
If I had a black car of any make where you live I would turn it into an appliance and cook with it. Saving on the the hydro bill is a good thing. But thats just me.

 

Simple things first. Have the battery tested (Autozone will do it for free). They put it under a simulated load to determine if it will hold a charge. Could be as simple as leaving something on (interior light, door light, etc, etc).

 

Logic would suggest that if a battery just produces clicks when attempting to start a car a few times and then suddenly starts the car then the battery is not at fault.
Batteries do not suddenly jump to life, a short inside the battery would not suddenly fix itself.
A bad ground or a bad connection could produce intermittent problems, but my money is on the starter or solenoid.

 

Definitely get the battery checked out. Like previously mentioned AutoZone will will do it for free. The new handheld AutoMeter battery testers many Autozone stores are now using are quick and accurate. Even though your battery is a "12 volt" battery, 12.4 volts is roughly a 60% charge. 12.7 volts + or - .1V is a full charge. These modern day automotive electrical systems are notorious for doing funny things when the battery drops below 12.5 volts. Domestic Chrysler vehicles and European cars are well known for it, and ours kinda being both of the two doesn't help the matter much!

Remove the battery and have it charged and load tested. If it tests out good clean any corrosion from the battery cables and apply di-electric grease to the terminals and cable ends before reinstalling. Make sure the terminals nice and tight. I believe our OEM battery group size is a 94 series. Correct me someone if I am wrong.

If you are still having trouble take it to Chrysler!

 

I use the K.I.S.S. method of automotive troubleshooting ... Keep It Simple Stupid ! Start with the battery, if it passes a load test then move on to your wiring connections ... ground to frame, ground to engine ... etc. Remove the RCM and inspect the solder joints for cracks. If all this checks out have your starter checked !

Just my Dos Centavos

 

Thanks one and all for the prompt suggestions.

I pulled the battery out, and noticed some corrosion on the negative terminal. I charged her up for an hour and that got her back to 12.57 volts; cleaned up the corrosion, sanded the bottom and inside of the negative terminal connector, reinstalled the battery and started her up. She turned over without any hesitation. It was a beautiful sound, even if it was coming from a black crossfire.

Sorry, I doubted the starter. The battery, I noticed, is almost four years old, so I'll keep an eye on that.

Thanks again. A guy my age should've done all that before I bothered you guys. What a short sweet solution.

rennie

 

Well now that you can start the car, drive it to Autozone (or someplace) and have the battery load tested.
If nothing else you will know the status of the battery.
Hey, it's free!

 

A FOUR YEAR battery I would more than keep an eye on ..... I suggest you replace it. These cars DO NOT LIKE weak batteries and more issues are apt to crop up before you get around to replacing it. Do a search and you'll see what I mean ....

Just my Dos Centavos

 

After battery check drive to dealer and trade for BLUE Crossfire all worries will disapear

 

Thought so...

Now you need to do a couple of things:

1) Drive your car down to Autozone and get a free load test on that battery to make sure it can hold a charge; If it won't getting a new battery is a good idea.

2) If your battery is good you should start to try and figure out why it was down. Parasitic drain, etc.

Good luck

 

Are you mocking me???

 

Ok, I have read one too many bad remarks about my Black , 2005 limited coupe with 8,000 miles . You guys that dont like the color, are just lazy, I keep my black beauty clean, and dont drive in rain, snow, or dirt roads. I even wax it in garage while in storage mode, then again, it takes a meticulous person as myself who can handle owning a Black, crossfire.
I rest my case

 

Do you know Bill F cause you guys sure sound exactly alike and he's only got 10K on his Black 04 !!!

 

tighed1 said,

Quote:

Are you mocking me???

No.

I think those folks that don't own the very special black ones like ours just get a little uptight because they drive the slower colors.

 

OUR'S tight1 Don't have a BlAcK ONE HE HAS A BLUE ONE

 

No, Stogey, I dont know Bill F, but he sounds like someone who has class, and I know most owners of Black Crossfire's would agree.

 

Ain't this just like BLACK Crossfire owners to just Hijack a thread to try and stroke themselves into feeling good about owning BLACK Crossfires!

You guys keep strokin'. Eventually you may get a good feeling!