QuestionWe purchased a used Chrysler 300 last year, in the last few months while driving, the car has died unexpectedly. The first couple of times all the lights in the dash lit up and then the car lost power then died. After about an hour, it would start and then die again. We had to get it towed. The tech said that it might be a problem with the key and that the car is no longer reading the key. We had a new key made ($180) and that did not fix the problem. We were able to drive it around for a few weeks then the same problem happened.
We had it towed to the Chrysler dealership, the car started for them immediately. They said they could not diagnose the problem because the car is working. We decided to keep it at the dealership just in case it wouldn't start and they could diagnose the problem. Finally after a week of starting every day we brought it home and on the way home it died again! Luckily we were able to get it to start and get it home, once home we couldn't get it to start up again. We turn the key and nothing happens. The lights and the radio works but the car simply doesn't turn. No sounds from the engine at all. We've been told that it could be many different things from the transponder to key, to the PCM needing to be replaced. Not sure where to go from here. We were able to get it to start and currently driving it right now, on two occasion when it died, we adjusted a black type fuse in the fuse box and it started. The car is unpredictable and we don't feel safe driving the car around since it can die at any minute, but unfortunately we are stuck with it. Please help
AnswerHi Eric,
Can you describe the position of the 'black type fuse in the fuse box' or any label/# associated with it so that I might check on whether it would have been involved with the problem or just coincidental?
I don't believe that the transponder/key/pcm are involved.
You might check for fault codes using the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see the mileage reading change to show a 4-digit number preceded by a capital letter. Let me know if you get something other than 'done'.
I am thinking that it might be a flaky ignition switch that loses one of the switch contacts spontaneously. That can occur and might be a more likely cause if you had a large number of keys/excess weight on the key ring. Do you have either a 12V glow-light voltage tester or a voltmeter you can use and carry with you? When the car dies I can tell you which fuses should show the presence of 12V when the ignition switch is in the run position and if any were not so that would be indicative of a flaky switch.
Even though lights and radio work, do check that the battery clamps are not loose at the terminals of the battery as a voltage drop can occur which only takes out part of the cars many systems when there is a poor connection.
I'll await your responses.
Roland
