Chrysler Repair: 1999 chrysler lhs problems starting, 1999 chrysler lhs, chrysler lhs

Question
i have a 1999 chrysler lhs and about 2 months ago it would not turn on some days and then when it did the lights would flash crazy and then run fine. i had it checked and the machanic could not find any problems. Now it wont start on a daily but after a couple trys it does. Today it would not start at all, however i noticed a light was left on. i recieved a jump and the car did start but died a block later, i noticed that one of the fuses under the hood is now clicking when i try to start it, i was curious because i was told to replace that fuse and that my battery was old to replace that , does that sound like the problem? ohterwise there is never a problem with starting the car.the car also has alittle power for the lights now but not even enough to put the windows up.

Answer
Hi Tressa
That all sounds like you have a weakly charged battery. If the age of the battery is about the same as its original warranty period then it probably is wearing/worn out. The item that was clicking under the hood was not a fuse but rather a relay, and those will click when the battery voltage (charge level) is just at the margin of working or not. Lights use much less current than is needed to turn the starter motor and to get the engine to ignite so that too is not inconsistent with there being either a discharged or worn out battery.
If the battery is relatively new then I would charge it up before replacing it, and of course take advantage of the warranty. The next time you have it running notice if the battery warning light is 'on' or if the voltmeter reads lower than typical, either of which would suggest that the alternator is not doing a good job of keeping the battery charged. But if the alternator works and still the problem with a weak battery persists then you have to suspect the battery. The only other possible explanation is that a light bulb is staying on when you have the car shut down (like the glove box or the trunk light) and that too could discharge the battery continually. So look for a problem like that as well.
Roland