98 canadian sebring with 2.0 engine 4 speed

QuestionEdit

QUESTION: won't start. no electricity to clutch starter switch. starter turns if crossed over manually. car sat for 45 days. started & died repeatedly yesterday with jump start..

ANSWER: Hi Richard, Sorry for the delay in responding but I just found your question in the "pool" to which it had been referred by the other 'expert' in this category, Kevin. I wonder where things stand with the vehicle? Is this a convertible or a coupe model Sebring? Do you have vehicle theft security system? Does it run for only 1-2 seconds repeatedly, which is a sign that the security system is still 'armed'? Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi. It did run for 1-2 sec... THEN COMPLETELY DEAD... NEVER HAD SECURITY SYSTEM WORK b4 in 2+ YEARS I OWNED IT... NOW NO CLICK NO NOISE WHATSOEVER.. THX!

AnswerEdit

Hi Richard, I would believe that your battery is nearly fully discharged (or does the starter still respond when you by-pass the "clutch starter switch" and does it still run for a couple of seconds?) because there are electronic systems that draw on the battery even when the ignition is off. So that would be the first priority. Can you charge it where it sits now with a battery charger? and if not then I would find a place/friend with a charger to do that so you know for certain that the battery is good. Most vehicles will have the battery discharge in about 30-60 days depending upon how much current the systems 'draws' even with the igntion switch is off. Again, can you tell me is this a convertible or a 2-door coupe? Will the starter still crank the engine if you bypass the clutch starter switch? And can you tell me specifically what you are doing to activate the starter? Have you listened to the starter motor relay to see whether it clicks when a helper tries the starter? Roland