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I am having problems starting my 2015 Chrysler 200

Asked by Lisa

I had a problem starting my 2015 Chrysler 200 a week ago. The AAA came and jumped my car and it started right away. Today when I started my car, I noticed my battery light on and as I was driving, whenever I came to a stop my car was acting like it wanted to die and my steering became very difficult. Can you please tell me what is likely to be the problem? Also, my battery is only a year old.

Answered by CarsGuide

8 Nov 2022 David Morley

It very much sounds as though the car's alternator has failed. The alternator's job is to charge the battery when the car is being driven. If the alternator is weak or has failed completely, it can't do that and the battery will eventually run out of charge and fail to operate things like the ignition, lights and electric power-steering. Which could entirely explain the problems you're seeing. The illuminated battery light on your dashboard is the other big hint that the alternator has quit on you.

There's a very quick check that can be done to see if the alternator is pulling its weight, and I'd be a bit surprised that a roadside-assistance mechanic didn't perform it as part of jump-starting the car to get you going. The test involves using a volt-meter to see if the battery is, indeed, being charged when the engine is running. A new or reconditioned alternator is the best solution, but only after you've tested the car to see if that's the actual problem.

You could also be looking at a battery that has failed (which, at just 12 months old, we would expect) and can also create the same symptoms you've noted.

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