My son has a 2002 Chrysler Sebring which stopped starting couple of day ago. Opening the hood, we noticed this weird clicking/grinding noises comes from the engine even when there is no key in the ignition. Via trial and error we figured out when we remove the 30Amp PCM/ASD fuse, the noise stops, when we replace the fuse there is no noise. When we turn the ignition key, car doesn’t start and the continuous clicking noises come back. We suspect it is a faulty PCM. Any advice?
Tester
Does it make the normal rrrr rrrr rrrr sound w/key in “start”, but doesn’t catch and run? Or does it not even make the rrr rrr rrrr sound?
As far as the clicking noises in the engine area, it is possible those are normal, part of the evap system testing process. If so, removing power to the PCM would stop the clicking b/c the PCM does the evap system testing. Suggest to not even consider replacing the PCM unless/until you have significant proof it is faulty. A PCM fault as an explanation for these symptoms seems very unlikely.
Suggest first step is a battery/charging system test. If that tests ok, next is for your shop to measure the voltage at the “s” terminal at the starter motor. The “s” terminal is the thinner of the two wires. It should measure at least 10.5 volts with the key in “start”. Does it? Probe between terminal and starter case.
Note that there is an off-chance the starter motor is faulty and is trying to start the car without your asking. And that’s the clicking noise you are hearing. This can cause the starter motor to overheat and start an engine fire, so ask your shop to check for that possibility asap.
The battery is dead, too weak to start the engine. When the ignition is switched on with low battery voltage, relays may begin to switch on/off, that is the cause of the noise.
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