The Crossfire had been parked for a couple of weeks when I went out to start it and it just clicked. So I thought that the battery must need charging and put the charger on it overnight.

The next morning I tried again and still no start, but now I had a loud snapping noise that seems to originate near the top rear of the engine. The snapping occurs at a rate of about three per second and continues as long as the key is held in the start position. I checked the battery voltage and it is at 13.5 volts no load. The starter does not engage at any time when the key is turned.

Can anyone tell me where to start looking for the problem?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Kern Fischer

 

the starter relay clicking is a low battery
the throttle body clicking is it calibrating due to you leaving it on the on position without the engine running, normal
if you disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 30 minutes and then reassemble and try the key again, does it crank?

 

Kern
When you bought this Crossfire SRT6, did you receive a detailed history of ALL of the maintenance performed on your "new" car? IF NOT, you are blind to any maintenance needs for your SRT6, with a battery at the top of the list for $150 or so. The electronics are very sensitive to any and all negative fluctuations in the battery's performance. A simple recharge may not work. Keep in mind, this is a 15+ year old car, regardless of how pristine it may look. Get a battery tender, since it will be sitting for extended times.

There is a litany of maintenance items, such as an oil change (0W40 Mobil One 8.5 quarts + Mann Oil Filter), Air Filters, Cabin Filter, Anti Freeze flush, transmission filter and fluid change, and quite a few other needs etc.....

Did you receive the owners manual with this car? If you did, need to review it for the maintenance schedule.

Good Luck....

Dennis
DTMenace

 

Hello Dennis,

Thank you for your comments. I did receive the owners manual and have yet to set up a maintenance plan based on the information contained therein. I have had many home rehab projects that take time away from my vehicle fun stuff.

The previous owner did provide some paperwork with the car that included the original window sticker ($ 52,380) and some maintenance records. The battery had been changed in 2012. And there were oil change records. He said he did not know when the coolant, brake fluid, and other items you mention had been changed. So all of that is on my to-do list along with ceramic brake pads, and stainless steel flexible brake lines - if I can find them.

Some of my other cars have similar needs so I shall probably be busy for awhile.

I have Battery Tenders for most of my other vehicles that are not used often but have yet to get one attached to the Crossfire. I just checked the battery voltage after it had been off the charger for about a day and a half and it was 9.98 volts, so I guess it is time for a new battery. The previous owner insisted upon replacing the original with another Mopar battery for originality. I am debating whether to go that route or not.

Zach Joslyn, who did my "sticky key" mod has offered to come here and go throught the car with me to check out its overall health and I am looking forward to when we can do that.

Kern

 

Kern
What did you expect from a an eight year old battery, spend the $150 and the SRT6 will start!
Good Luck....
Dennis
DTMenace

 

Dennis,

You were spot on regarding changing the battery. After install of a new one it started immediately.

I went to the Chrysler dealer to get a Mopar battery and the parts person indicated that the only one they had was offered with only a three year warranty. I expressed some disappointment about that and he said I could go to Interstate for a longer warranty as the Mopar batteries were made by Interstate and just had Mopar stickers added to them. I took the Mopar but will probably make a different choice the next time.

While I had all the cables off I also connected a harness to the battery terminals that allows a simple plug in of a Battery Tender. I may have to buy one or two more to keep the different vehicles connected and charged.

Kern

 

Kern
Congrats on your decision to replace the battery.....
Enjoy your SRT6!
Dennis
DTMenace