Help with Car Problems

[MassNole]

I will be the first to admit I know absolutely nothing about the workings of a car and this morning I had a nightmare. I have a 2006 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring. First the key would not turn in the ignition. I jiggled the wheel for a while, still nothing. Eventually I went to make a call and locked my car, when I came back it started just fine, or so I thought.

Upon starting, the stereo console and heat would not turn on and the air bag light came on. However when I got to the mechanic, I turned the car on and off again and the center console did come on that time. So could this be a fuse problem? Could it be this is the coldest day in months just screwing with it?

It was already going to the shop today because the air bag light had been coming on, although I believe that was because there was something pressing against the back of the passenger seat and it stopped (until this morning) after moving the object. The service guy told me that if there was something on the seat that was heavy it could cause the light to go on.

I brought the car right to the mechanics after I finally got it moving. Does anyone have any idea what the causes of these problems would be? As I said I am an idiot when it comes to cars.

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Before anyone suggests, I did search Google which sort of explained the key thing. As for the other problems, I couldn't find answers but that could just be because my search terms sucked.

[e0820]

Re: Help with Car Problems

I will be the first to admit I know absolutely nothing about the workings of a car and this morning I had a nightmare. I have a 2006 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring. First the key would not turn in the ignition. I jiggled the wheel for a while, still nothing. Eventually I went to make a call and locked my car, when I came back it started just fine, or so I thought.

Upon starting, the stereo console and heat would not turn on and the air bag light came on. However when I got to the mechanic, I turned the car on and off again and the center console did come on that time. So could this be a fuse problem? Could it be this is the coldest day in months just screwing with it?

It was already going to the shop today because the air bag light had been coming on, although I believe that was because there was something pressing against the back of the passenger seat and it stopped (until this morning) after moving the object. The service guy told me that if there was something on the seat that was heavy it could cause the light to go on.

I brought the car right to the mechanics after I finally got it moving. Does anyone have any idea what the causes of these problems would be? As I said I am an idiot when it comes to cars.

----
Before anyone suggests, I did search Google which sort of explained the key thing. As for the other problems, I couldn't find answers but that could just be because my search terms sucked.

I probably know less about cars then anyone. BUT - my 96 Mustang GT wouldnt start a few times because it was damp - got it towed to the mechanics and it started fine. Also last year in the deep freeze my car wouldnt start - I got a $4 bottle of some kind of defrost for my gas lines - bingo started fine. My wifes cars ingnition would not turn if the steering wheel was turned to the far left (some kind of safety standard)

[Pared]

Re: Help with Car Problems

Yes, it could have either been your steering wheel wasn't in a straight enough line (safety precaution) or your car might have been in neutral (if you have an automatic)

[MassNole]

Re: Help with Car Problems

So what would explain the center console not coming on? The cold, a faulty fuse?

[Pared]

Re: Help with Car Problems

So when the key finally turned did the car start or did it just turn and not do anything?

[MassNole]

Re: Help with Car Problems

The car started but the center console where the stereo and heating unit are did not turn on at all and the airbag light came on. Then when I got to the garage I turned my car on and off and that time everything worked and the air bag light went off.

[Pared]

Re: Help with Car Problems

I'm guessing it would have something to do with your fuses.

[nemesis04]

Re: Help with Car Problems

The airbag light is usually a sensor that can act up in extreme cold or from age. They can test for that pretty easily. As far as the ignition lock up, a lot of times it has to do with the position of the steering wheel. If it keeps on happening and your wheels are straight after the car is turned off( if your front wheels are turned after you turn the car off, the steering wheel lock becomes more of a challenge when you have to turn the ignition back on), you may need a new ignition assembly.

[pk500]

Re: Help with Car Problems

It's either a fuse or a fault in your engine's computer management system or a sensor. A garage can hook up diagnostic tools to your computer management system and see if there are any error codes showing. Most garages will charge you an hour of labor for that job, even though it takes about 10 minutes, so you'll be out around $60-75.

Good luck.

Take care,
PK

[mudtiger]

Re: Help with Car Problems

It's either a fuse or a fault in your engine's computer management system or a sensor. A garage can hook up diagnostic tools to your computer management system and see if there are any error codes showing. Most garages will charge you an hour of labor for that job, even though it takes about 10 minutes, so you'll be out around $60-75.

Good luck.

Take care,
PK

Just take it to an auto zone, they'll hook up the car and check for error codes for free.

[Pared]

Re: Help with Car Problems

If he's going to go that route, he might as well take it to the dealer. A 2006 should still be under the factory warranty.

[pk500]

Re: Help with Car Problems

Just take it to an auto zone, they'll hook up the car and check for error codes for free.

Didn't know that: Good find!

Thanks,
PK

[MassNole]

Re: Help with Car Problems

The ignition shaft needed to be lubed. Wow, that sounds dirty.