2005 2.7L Dodge Magnum, Electrical Problem

[Bernie]

I just got a low mileage base 6 cylinder magnum, and it is having an odd electrical problem.

-When driving with the lights on, the lights flicker (dim to bright)
-I don't see a voltage problem on a meter (but, can't be sure, and it just might now be sampling fast enough)
-Doesn't seem to be a problem with out the lights on
-Only seems to happen when driving (in the driveway it doesn't do it).

So, I got on a magnum forum, and they were not very helpful. I guess I have been spoiled by the technical skills of the TDR community, and was expecting the same from the Magnum community. A lot of good posts about 22" wheels and stereos, but not much help for good technical issues.

 

[07 ThunderRoad]

The electrical grounds are corroded. As the body flexes, the ground part of the circuit is adding resistance to the circuit. clean all ground connections to the body.

 

[Wayne M.]

Good luck with the Magnum. I think it's a neat ride. One forum I go on that's pretty good and has some techs who contribute is moparts.com . I would definetly scrutinize the body grounds and the battery too. If you do goto moparts.com, look around on the 2. 7. I understand they have an internal oil passage that clogs up. might not be an issue since you have lo miles, but something to be aware of.

 

[crispyboy]

I have a 05 Honda Civic and everytime the AC compressor activates the headlights will noticeably dim. I read a forum and apparently all Honda's do this. Maybe it is a result of the small battery and heavy electrical load.

 

[Bernie]

The electrical grounds are corroded. As the body flexes, the ground part of the circuit is adding resistance to the circuit. clean all ground connections to the body.

Any particular grounds you think I should check?

 

[mwilson]

If you haven't done so, check the battery. I am thinking it is a little weak when working under a higher load.



I know that all of my Town and Country vans will fluctuate the headlights and dome lights at an idle (from day 1 brand new) as the Computer makes adjustments to the rate of charge and I'm thinking that a bad battery after dark with a higher electrical load would drive the electronics nuts. This is assuming that Chrysler uses the same set-up on the Magnums.



Worth a try if you don't see any green or corroded grounds.



Mike.

 

[Wayne M.]

If you haven't done so, check the battery. I am thinking it is a little weak when working under a higher load.

I know that all of my Town and Country vans will fluctuate the headlights and dome lights at an idle (from day 1 brand new) as the Computer makes adjustments to the rate of charge and I'm thinking that a bad battery after dark with a higher electrical load would drive the electronics nuts. This is assuming that Chrysler uses the same set-up on the Magnums.

Worth a try if you don't see any green or corroded grounds.

Mike.

Indeed, MIL has a cherry 2001 T&C from new, and we just had to get rid of the 2nd battery. It was throwing all sorts of body and airbag codes/ warning lights. After a thorough review with the DRB, I couldn't see anything, and a day later as I was gathering the wiring diagrams to look for trouble- poof, the batt went to stone. All is good after that.

 

[DNDracing]

I have a 2002 Sebring that was doing the same thing, every once in a while, the interior lights and head lights would flicker, and sometimes the radio would go off or a half second or so. In my case, Thunder Road's advice was sound, I cleaned up the grounds with some WD-40 and scotch bright, and have not had the issue in a couple years.

Also I had to comment on your comment on magnum forums not being helpful. My Sebring is pushing 250,000 miles, so I'm dealing with more issues more frequently now. Every time I go to a forum to try to help diagnose whatever is wrong with it, I comment to my wife that information is so much harder to find on that car, and that I'm spoiled with the TDR forums and its members. If I have an issue or need advice on my 2005 Dodge CTD, I typically find what I'm looking for on here in a couple of minutes. With the Sebring it sometimes can take an hour or more.

Keep up the good work everyone.

Also coincidentally I'm shopping for a Magnum to possibly replace the Sebring, because I've always liked them, that is what peaked my interest when I saw this thread. Hopefully you are as lucky with the 2. 7 as I was with mine in the Sebring. I heard horror stories about that engine having issues (the car was given to me and my wife in 2005, so the price was right). Aside from replacing the transmission at 175,000 miles, I've had no problems with the drive train, everything I've done has been routine maintenance. I really have nothing bad to say about the 2. 7 or the Sebring.