Chrysler Repair: 2003 Sebring LXI Idle, postal mail, battery cables

Question
Hello,
Recently diconnected battery cables to clean battery posts, since then car idles very slowly and at times cuts out (quits running).  Can you tell me why this might occur?  Any help will be appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi S,
While it is not obvious as to why cleaning the battery posts would affect the idle, you might nonetheless recheck the clamps to make sure they are tight, and if you didn't use a thin coat of battery post anti-corrosion compound then remove the clamps and do it now. Sorry to suggest getting to the battery again :(
Other than that, a slow idle with no other explanation would begin with the automatic idle speed control motor. Cleaning the throat and both sides of the butterfly plate of the throttle body and the passageway at the side through which idle air is taken in would be a good first step. Then if that doesn't help you can remove the idle speed motor itself but you should have some instructions on doing that which I can xerox and postal mail to you. Before doing that however I would get the fault codes readout at an Autozone parts store (free) or an independent shop (~$40). See what the codes tell you (ask the person who reads them what are the specific numbers and their meaning). If unclear, write back for specifics.
Roland
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