Question2004 Chrysler Pacifica will not start and has shown some signs of electrical problems just before this happened. 1) The headlights flashed by themselves the day it started. 2) The steering column will not lock and the computer does not think it is in park.
We thought the battery was bad because it was dead so we charged it at home and could not get it to start. I thought that was the problem so I took the battery to Sears where they charged it for 4 hours and told me it was good. I put the battery back in and it started right up. I turned it off and it almost did not start. So I thought it must be the altranator so I went to Auto Zone. It was bringing back 13.6v. So much for that.
Now I have read online it may be the fuse box... What do you think?
AnswerHi Jon,
I think you may have a short or come sort that is drawing down the battery. You should get a volt-ohm-milliamp meter and then I can tell you how to get to the bottom of this. It could be something that drains the battery even when the vehicle is "off" or could be a short that is occuring when the ignition key is 'on'. Here is how to check it when it is off:
BATTERY IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD)
High current draw on the battery with the ignition OFF will discharge a battery. After a dead battery is serviced the vehicle Ignition Off Draw (IOD) should be checked. Determine if a high current draw condition exists first check the vehicle with a test lamp.
Verify that all electrical accessories are OFF.
Remove key from ignition switch
Turn off all lights
Liftgate and glove box door is closed
Sun visor vanity lights are OFF
All doors are closed
Allow the Illuminated Entry System to time out in approximately 30 seconds, if equipped.
During Transmission Control Module (TCM) power down there will be 500 milliamperes present for 20 minutes. Afterwards less than 1.0 milliampere.
Disconnect battery negative cable Disconnect Battery Negative Cable
CAUTION: Always disconnect the meter before opening a door.
Using a multi-meter, that has least a milliampere range of 0-200 mA. Set meter to the highest mA range. Install meter between the battery negative cable and battery negative post Milliampere Meter Connection Carefully remove the test lamp without disconnecting the meter. After all modules time-out the total vehicle IOD should be less than 25 milliamperes. If ignition off draw is more than 25 milliamperes go to Step 4.
Each time the test lamp or milliampere meter is disconnected and connected, all electronic timer functions will be activated for approximately one minute. The Body Control Module (BCM) ignition off draw can reach 90 milliamperes.
Remove the PDC fuses:
Interior lamps
Brake lamp
IOD
If there is any reading, with fuses removed there is a short circuit in the wiring. Refer to Group 8W, wiring diagrams. If reading is less than 25 mA go to Step 8.
Install all fuses. After installing fuse, the current can reach 90 mA. After time-out the reading should not exceed 25 mA. If OK go to Step 8. If not, disconnect:
Radio
Body Control Module
Remote Keyless Entry Module
Disconnect one component at time, to see if any component is at fault. If the high reading is not eliminated there is a short circuit in the wiring. Refer to Group 8W, wiring diagrams.
Remove interior and brake lamp fuses. Install the fuses. The milliampere reading should be 2-4 mA. If reading is higher than 4 mA:
Disconnect PCM.
If reading is OK, replace PCM.
If reading does not change, disconnect the TCM.
If reading is OK, replace TCM.
If reading stays, there is a short circuit to one of the modules
If the IOD check doesn't find the problem, then check it with the ignition 'on' in a similar manner.
Roland
