Chrysler Repair: 2006 Sebring Convertible: electrical problem., fender roland, volt ohm meter

Question
Car was fine, came back home, and when I went back out to car, it would not start.  The battery had died, when jump started car it started but sounded bad and when I drove around block all lights on dash were flickering, more so when I stepped on gas.  Any idea what the problem may be.  I have a 4 cylinder.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Tina,
It sounds like a too low voltage problem or a loose battery cable which would produce the same result. But there are several possible reasons for that:
The clamp on the + post could be loose or corroded; it has two wires whose far ends should be checked where they attach to the power box in the engine compartment and to the starter motor.  Dimilarly the clamp on the - post should be checked. The - post clamp wire(s) should be 'followed' to the place(s) where they are attached to the engine and chassis (that one is at the strut tower on the driver side) to make sure those connections are tight. That would be where I would start. The battery could be bad, but the cables attaching it should be checked out first. You could remove the battery and have it checked and if functional, recharged. If the car then runs but the electrical gauge reads low, then the alternator or its wiring would be the issue.
There is also a possibility that you have a short between the + wire and the chassis or that the system part which is always attached to the battery (interior lights/door locks/remote) has a short to ground. All these possibilities can be investigated with a volt-ohm meter.
The battery is located in front of the left front wheel, in the lower fender. Turn the steering wheel to the far left position to access it.  It is hiddn by a splash shield which will reveal it when removed. Before removing the battery disconnect the remote - post attachment at the left strut tower in the engine compartment. Then release the battery retainers and slide the battery backwards out of the fender.

Roland