2002 Dodge Stratus (fast clicking sound when trying to turn over)

[XNelson]

I bought a used 2002 Dodge Stratus SE (Automatic) a few months ago and
recently all heck seems to be breaking loose.
First the battery died, but we were able to charge it back up again.
Ever since then however, it appears as though the idle speed is out of
wack. When approaching slow-downs (such as lights or stops), the car
will just shut down, unless I keep my foot on the gas and use the
other foot to brake.
Additionally, a few times now, the car will only produce a fast
clicking sound when I go to turn the engine over. The first time it
happened, I was waiting for a chance to get it to a mechanic and for
some reason a few days later everything (aside from the problem with
slowing down) was fine again.
This time that it has happened however, all I get is the fast clicking
sound. All electrical systems appear fine and lights, radio, door
alarms, etc all are working fine, just the fast clicking and it won't
turn over.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas what this could be and any
thoughts on how I could fix this easily without tons of cash?

Thanks a ton for your help.

Xavier

 

[James C. Reeves]

| I bought a used 2002 Dodge Stratus SE (Automatic) a few
months ago and
| recently all heck seems to be breaking loose.
| First the battery died, but we were able to charge it back
up again.
| Ever since then however, it appears as though the idle
speed is out of
| wack. When approaching slow-downs (such as lights or
stops), the car
| will just shut down, unless I keep my foot on the gas and
use the
| other foot to brake.
| Additionally, a few times now, the car will only produce a
fast
| clicking sound when I go to turn the engine over. The
first time it
| happened, I was waiting for a chance to get it to a
mechanic and for
| some reason a few days later everything (aside from the
problem with
| slowing down) was fine again.
| This time that it has happened however, all I get is the
fast clicking
| sound. All electrical systems appear fine and lights,
radio, door
| alarms, etc all are working fine, just the fast clicking
and it won't
| turn over.
|
| Does anyone have any advice or ideas what this could be
and any
| thoughts on how I could fix this easily without tons of
cash?
|
| Thanks a ton for your help.
|
| Xavier

A 2002 is still covered by the manufacturer's
warranty...take it to either a Dodge or Chrysler dealer.

 

[Bill Putney]

I bought a used 2002 Dodge Stratus SE (Automatic) a few months ago and
recently all heck seems to be breaking loose.
First the battery died, but we were able to charge it back up again.
Ever since then however, it appears as though the idle speed is out of
wack. When approaching slow-downs (such as lights or stops), the car
will just shut down, unless I keep my foot on the gas and use the
other foot to brake.
Additionally, a few times now, the car will only produce a fast
clicking sound when I go to turn the engine over. The first time it
happened, I was waiting for a chance to get it to a mechanic and for
some reason a few days later everything (aside from the problem with
slowing down) was fine again.
This time that it has happened however, all I get is the fast clicking
sound. All electrical systems appear fine and lights, radio, door
alarms, etc all are working fine, just the fast clicking and it won't
turn over.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas what this could be and any
thoughts on how I could fix this easily without tons of cash?

Thanks a ton for your help.

Xavier

Get your battery and alternator both tested - many auto parts stores can
do that for free (although the meaningfulness of the test can be
somewhat dependent on the person doing the testing). If they test good,
start looking for poor (loose and/or corroded) connections starting at
the battery terminals.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

[mic canic]

get a new battery and all should be well
the computer needs a strong battery to function properly or it won't idle
and run right