Chrysler Repair: 1996 CHRYSLER CONVERTIBLE, 4CYLINDER ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, chrysler sebring convertible, chrysler sebring

Question
My 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, 4 cylinder started and ran well July 2 9:30AM.  Then, after sitting in dry, hot weather for about 5 hours, when I turned the key, the car started and ran fine to my destination about 15 miles.  But, the air bag light didn't go out.  Electric windows, air condition fan, radio, and signal lights didn't work.  Courtesy light illuminated.  Didn't try the top.  After the car sat for about 3 hours, I started it again and all the above operated as routine.  I have used the vehicle three times without a glitch.  HELP?

Answer
Hi Michael,
It is diffiult to determine the cause of a malfunction that is intermittant such as you describe. Based on the multi-system impact I would suspect that one of the large fuses in the power distribution center (electrical box under the hood near the battery) is either got a loose/dirty connection in its socket connections or that the actual fuse internal wire is cracked and when it gets hot it "blows" without showing the usual large gap of a blown fuse. So open the box and carefully inspect the fuses for any signs like I just described. Look closely at the internal ribbon of metal to see if you see a subtle crack in one of them and replace that one if you find it. Also examine the tabs on the fuses and the clips which retain them to see if any look corroded and clean them with spray electrical contact cleaner if you find a suspicious one.
Until/unless it cuts out again, that is about all you can do. If it happens again, try this same process when it is malfunctioning (wiggle the fuses one at a time with an affected device turned "on") and listen to hear if it powers up when you move a fuse around a bit.
Let me know if you find it and what it was.
Roland