QuestionQUESTION: Car wouldn't shut off, so I called AAA and they went to a fuse box and pulled out something that shut off the car finally, some of the lights on the dash are still on, it's 11pm, will this run the battery down, and why wouldn't it shut off in the first place. thank you for your response.
Sincerely,
Anita :)
ANSWER: Hi Anita,
That is an unusual problem.
The ignition switch may be stuck in the 'run' position.
However, it is also possible, that the autoshutdown relay is the problem, being stuck in the "on" position. It is the larger box-like item in the rear row at the outboard end of the box. (There are three of those sized relays, and one socket that is not used more toward the center of the box) Do you have the part that they removed from the fuse box? If it is that relay, then you can remove the same size relay located directly in front of it and use that in the place of the autoshutdown relay. That would regain control of the engine and you can go to a auto parts store and get a replacement for the one you removed (which is the high speed fan relay). If the ignition switch is the problem I can tell you how to change that out too. But let me know what is the situation in the fuse box and whether it was the autoshutdown relay that was removed. Maybe they removed a fuse?
If the ignition switch is stuck in the run position then all the accessories (e.g.radio) would still work. Is that the case? If so, then I can tell you how to change the ignition switch. Tell me which lights on the dash are still 'on'. I don't think those would run down the battery very soon in any case.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Follow up response.....Yes I believe the AAA guy said he unplugged the autoshutdown relay. Radio turns on, emergency flash works, but blinkers don't work.
I just received this response, so not sure if car will start/if battery needs charge. Yes, we still have the part (autoshutdown relay) I went to a website to get a price of the relay and for some reason couldn't get a price, do you have any idea how much this part is?
Thanks for you help, I'll wait for your response Roland. :)
AnswerHi Anita,
The hazards will always work no matter where the ignition switch is set.
If the radio turns 'on' even though the key is in the 'off' position then I would believe that the ignition switch is faulty and it is allowing a part of the car's electrical system to operate electrically when it shouldn't. However, the blinkers should work too, but then this is complicated because there are actually three separate sub-switches in the ignition switch so only one of the three may be bad. In any case:
Try the substitution I suggested, putting the front large relay in the socket directly behind it that once held the autoshutdown relay. Then start the car and see if it will turn off or not. If so, then the problem was the asd relay, and if it won't shut off then the problem is the ignition switch and you can pull the replaced asd relay out again to shut off the engine and seek a replacement ignition switch.
The relays are pretty common devices and should be in the range of $10 each at a nearby parts store. Let me know how this progresses. The ignition switch may be at a parts store, and if not then a Chrysler dealer. I can tell you how to install it.
Thanks for nomination and kind remarks.
Roland
