I have a 2001 Dodge Stratus ES 2.7 with 150K mi and am having issues
trying to keep the car running at idle while driving. It turns over with no
issue, and in park, it will idle (however the battery/charging system light will
illuminate after a few seconds). While driving, it will display the battery light
but will drive OK. Only at stop signs/lights, it will die.

I have checked all fuses, and had the battery checked. When the car is off,
it measures 12V, however when running it measures 11.5V. I removed the
alternator thinking it was the issue and had it checked at two different auto
stores and they both came back that the alternator passed and is good. Oil
is good (no coolant issues). Windows do move very slow, but lights and
interior lighting illuminate fine.

Thanks for the help!

 

Sounds like your idle is low causing the electrical problelms. I would start with cleaning the throttle body, checking and or replacing the idle air control (IAC) and throttle position sensor (TPS). Is the check engine light on? Also, when was the last tuneup? Plugs/wires/air filter, etc.

 

Thank you for the reply

Sounds like some good places to start. It is in need of a tune-up and the plugs/wires were going to be my next guess (getting to the rear 3 are going to be a bitch ). The air filter is good.

 

Yep. Did them on my 99 sebring with th 2.7. Gotta remove the intake. I went ahead and did the valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals while I was in there. It's not a technically difficult job, just time consuming and tedious.

 

Great, thanks for the heads-up.

I did find a youtube video on removing them w/o taking off the intake if your interested... need a lot of 1-2" extensions and will probably bust some knuckles but it is possible.

 

Findings: Well, now I'm confused as ever... I reattached the alternator because it was deemed good and sure enough, that fixed the problem! Battery is now charging and reads 12.4V. I'm guessing the alternator power cable may have not been fully contacting, or the serpentine belt was a little loose and may have been slipping...

Either way, its working now! Thanks for the help

 

Thanks for posting back the fix. That will help other members.