Will not crank

2014 CHRYSLER 200
104,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SIERRA DAWN
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  • 1 POST
At first it just started by, my lights would dim a little and go in and out on the brightness, then my traction control lot would come on and off, then my emergency brake light. then over 2 weeks course the speedometer started going up and down slog with the lights that were named before going off and on. then my radio would cut off when stopped at right lights. a couples days ago it started cutting off while idling.went to AutoZone they said my battery voltage was 3 and the alternator was throwing off all different amps , so replaced both. now won’t crank without a jump off and still shows all the lights named on and off while driving.
Sep 15, 2019 at 3:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

Everything you mentioned indicates a battery going dead. Now, the problem is that where it was checked, chances are they don't know the alternator voltage is regulated by the power-train control module (PCM). There is a chance the alternator and battery that were replaced were good and the PCM isn't allowing the alternator to charge the battery.

With that I need you to do a simple test for me. First, I want you to charge the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

If you don't have a charger, remove the battery and take it to the parts store that sold it to you. Most likely they will charge it for you. This would also be a good time to have them load test the battery to confirm you didn't get a bad one.

Here is a link that shows how to remove and replace a battery:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Once the battery is fully charged and we confirm it is good, put it back into the vehicle.

Next, we need to use a volt meter. It is also referred to as a multi meter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Once you have the volt meter, check the battery voltage with the engine off. It should be slightly over 12v. Next, start the engine and check the battery voltage. It should be around 14v. Let me know if it stays steady or if the voltages keep changing.

Here is a link that shows how to perform what I described above:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know what you find. I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe

Sep 15, 2019 at 4:53 PM