[genie]

Any of you guys acquainted with Dodge Stratus ? Son's 2000 has serious stalling problem. Been towed several times to different mechanics / dealerships in past 7 weeks. Spent big bucks on repairs & towing with problem unresolved. Has been basically without the car since early Dec.

Car shakes and shutters and cuts out. Will not restart. Must be towed. Computer module and related parts replaced, twice. Plugs, wires also replaced. Car currently at Shaffer & Strominger, again.

Suggestions ??

gene

 

[vinny83]

YOu can try a forums board or a simmiliar site like this
Dodge Stratus - DodgeForum.com

or

http://www.stratusphere.net/forums/index.php?showforum=4

do you know what kind of engine is in it. I think there was a base 2.4 liter and an RT optional 3.0 V6.

Were there any check engine lights or codes that the engine may be throughing.

It could be something as simple as a vacuum line leaking and your not getting a return through your head to maintain a proper idle, that could cause you to stall like that, or it could be a bad mass air flow sensor not giving you the right air/fuel mixture to hold an idle.

It could be anything really, Do you have any more info.

If you had a CEL you could use an OBD-II scanner to diagnose the issue. Most autoparts stores have these to borrow or you can buy one for about 50 bucks. A great investment for any american vehicle

 

[genie]

vinny,

This car was supposedly repaired by my mechanic by replacing a computer module plus plugs and wires before Christmas. Big buck bill. He was driving to Hagerstown after Christmas, when it shook & shuttered and died out again. Towed initially to a local Ford dealer who said the computer module was bad. Couldn't get part or something. Car was towed to Hagerstown Dodge dealer. Module replaced. Crapped out on way back to Baltimore. Another tow. This time went to Shaffer & Strominger. Was there for almost 2 weeks. A part before the module was supposedly bad. Unable to get part or something. Car was picked up Tuesday evening. Started to **** out a few blocks from his apt. Got it to the parking lot. Today my wife followed him back to S&S. Died out about 2 miles from S&S. Another tow.

I would think that 3 dealers, 2 which are Dodge dealers, with all kinds of diagnostic equip would have solved this problem by now. He probably spent more in repairs and tows than the car is worth. Might be time for a replacement.

gene

 

[Lone Ranger]

Genie,I will check with a couple Chrysler Guys tomorrow at work,They MAY have come across something like this before.I would be DEMANDING My ^&*((*$^ Money back for repairs made that did NOT fix the Car!!!!!!!! I do need to know if its a 4 or 6 cylinder Engine.

Vinny......Nevermind!

Genie,The Car SHOULD have been fixed....Once in awhile a problem like your Son has is a Mechanics nightmare.It could be as simple as a electrical connector,or a wire....But where? Is the question sometimes.Could be a Bad part.Seems like the "Mechanics" put parts on that most likely would be the problem........and it started and ran.........Figures it was fixed......sent your Son on His way.

By changing the part,they may have disturbed a bad connector or wire which COULD be the real culprit.What I'm trying to say is,SOMETIMES Cars are not as easy to repair as some think.It takes someone with Very Good diagnostic skills to play this game anymore!!!!

You can hook a Scanner up and get all the codes you want...........And it or they MAY NOT be the real root problem!!!!If ya' get codes for 6 different things,it does NOT mean you replace 6 different things.It ain't that straight forward.

If you take it back anywhere you had it repaired,I'd tell them....I want my money back OR repair the Car PROPERLY!!!!!!I paid ,You didn't fix!!!!!!!!Give them permission to drive it Home overnight to MAKE sure they fix it properly....I can guarentee ya' if the Service Manager drives it Home and breaks down,He won't be a Happy Camper!!!!:yes:

Did you get all your old parts back?If not ALWAYS ask for them back!

 

[AIK68J]

Try Allpar.com Mopar site has a lot of good info.
I do agree with Mike as I had to fight with numerous service departments fix it right or refund
I have guy here in Harford County pretty good diagnostics guy works out of his house. Has more equipment that some stations

 

[vinny83]

NEVERMIND!!!


Just trying to help

I have had issues like this in the past, these dealerships will just swap parts untill they find the right one that they think works, and charge you hundreds of dollars. usually if you go to one of these forums sites and post the problem they will be more them helpfull to give some insite on what the problem could be if its been a reocurring issue in the past with this specific vehicle. Why spend the money to have it towed and looked at if you can find the help to fix it yourself and save the headache. An OBD-II scanner is valuable tool that will narrow the problem down to just a few componets that could save alot of time and money in the long run IMO. I do agree in the stealership has already looked at it and has done some work then they are responsible to fix it correctly.

Good luck




Lone [email protected]@

 

[Bob H.]

Sounds like a fuel or sensor problem. What codes are the dealers getting when they plug it in and how do they get it started? If it starts right up there's a problem with heat - and would be a b$tch to find. I have 2 scanners but don't know if it would do any good unless you're prepared to take the car apart. I may have a 99 manual - don't know if I pitched it after I totaled mine. Like LR said, you may get many codes but you'd need to find the relationship of the codes to get to the root cause.

 

[Lone Ranger]

NEVERMIND!!!

Just trying to help

I have had issues like this in the past, these dealerships will just swap parts untill they find the right one that they think works, and charge you hundreds of dollars. usually if you go to one of these forums sites and post the problem they will be more them helpfull to give some insite on what the problem could be if its been a reocurring issue in the past with this specific vehicle. Why spend the money to have it towed and looked at if you can find the help to fix it yourself and save the headache. An OBD-II scanner is valuable tool that will narrow the problem down to just a few componets that could save alot of time and money in the long run IMO. I do agree in the stealership has already looked at it and has done some work then they are responsible to fix it correctly.

Good luck


Vinny,First off ...DON'T Lump ALL Dealerships into your so called "Stealerships!!!!There are PLENTY of Non-Dealers that just throw Parts at Cars!!I work at a Dealer and we have some of the BEST Techs in the Business,THAT DIAGNOIS and NOT throw parts at a Car.

If ya' sense a bit of an attitude,Yea I have one.I get ****ing sick and tired of hearing how "Dealers" screw people over!!!!Are there some out there that do,absolutely!Are there some out there that DON'T,absolutely!!

One MAJOR problem with Car Repairs is the Consumer!!!People will go to a Car repair facility with a problem,Have Car repaired...repair ends up being not effective........Customer takes Car elsewhere has it repaired and Bad mouths the first place WITHOUT giving the First place a chance to make good!!!Seems like people that don't do this for a Living think its as easy as 1,2,3.People have NO Clue what Experience and knowledge it takes now days to repair these vehicles.IE.,,Tahoes,Sububans have 26 On-board Computers which ALL have to communicate properly,All you need is ONE bad connection or ground problem and it can set all kind of codes.WHERE do you start????

Hook up a Scanner and it tells you???WRONG answer!As for Dealership pricing........Most all are high because of all the overhead.........Our Dealership prices will stand up against ANY Independent,Firestone,Goodyear or anybody else And be CHEAPER than Most ANY Independent Garage!!

Vinny,No hard feelings,Just statin' the facts,I've been in this Biz Longer than you've been alive.Do I know everything about repairing Cars,HELL NO!!!

Lone [email protected]@

Lone [email protected]@[/QUOTE]

 

[PaPa Bear]

It's the altenator (couldn't help myself)

 

[Bottom Knocker]

crank shaft position sensor..:thumbup:

 

[Lone Ranger]

crank shaft position sensor..:thumbup:

Mike,You beat me to it in a matter of minutes!!!Will cause the exact problems and will OR will Not set a code!!

 

[Thunnus Amongus]

Genie-
Very simple...Replace the fuel filter. It will run for days with a dirty one then cut out. Then afew more days then cut out. My mom had the same experience in her dodge about 15 years ago they replaced everything but the filter. Sure nuff I changed the filter and the problem never occurred again.
Tom

 

[genie]

Guys,

Thanks for your responses.

I believe it is a 4 cylinder, with auto transmission.

Once it quits, it won't restart. Has to be towed. He has exhausated his AAA towing for the year. BTW the basic AAA towing is good for only 3 miles, 4 times a year. So towing has become costly. A recent tow from Frederick to S&S was $174.

The initial mechanic (with whom I have been dealing with for 25 years) hooked up, and I would assume the others did as well, hooked up the appropriate diagnostic equipment. When the check engine light came on the first time, it supposedly indicated some sort of transmission code. I believe the S&S service folks spoke with the initial mechanic.

When I spoke with my son last nite, I told him to demand that a mechanic or service manager take the car home. He said he mentioned that when he was at S&S during the day. He told them to keep it as long as necessary. The interesting thing is there is no set pattern as to when it will **** out. It has happened after a few miles and at around 70 miles.

I did google search and found a few message boards with assorted stalling problems, but none like his.


gene

 

[Bob H.]

It's been a year since I checked the TSB's on the Stratus but there was nothing then. I'm still curious how the shop gets it restarted. Even with most faults the ECM will go into limp mode and get you home. Two biggest problems of know with Dodge's are MAP sensors (hose routing lets moisture drain back into sensor - but should only put the car in limp mode) and poor protection for splices in the wiring harnesses (corrosion). My Dodge consultant is on travel so I have no answers.

 

[vinny83]

Sorry if I hit a nerve with you Loneranger. I was just trying to be helpful and not get bashed for it. I have been down similiar roads with my previous vehicles before and the things I mentioned worked for me. Will they work in every situation no.

If you don't like my opinions or advice okp

Most dealerships have left a bad taste in my mouth that I have been too. If yours is different that is great !!!

Good luck genie with the car



Vinny

 

[Bob H.]

Sorry if I hit a nerve with you Loneranger. I was just trying to be helpful and not get bashed for it. I have been down similiar roads with my previous vehicles before and the things I mentioned worked for me. Will they work in every situation no.

If you don't like my opinions or advice okp

Most dealerships have left a bad taste in my mouth that I have been too. If yours is different that is great !!!

Good luck genie with the car

Vinny

Vinny, don't take it personally. Mike does have a lot of experience with cars - he's just wound up tight trying to buy a bigger boat to wax.

 

[Bob H.]

Found my Stratus manual but nothing happing tonight . I'll look through the schematics tomorrow morning.

 

[genie]

Bob,

Thanks.

gene

 

[Lone Ranger]

Vinny,I apologize for rippin' on ya'!!!!But I really get sick and tired of people Grouping All Dealships as "Stealerships" as You put it.And also this statement you made.

"I have had issues like this in the past, these dealerships will just swap parts untill they find the right one that they think works, and charge you hundreds of dollars."

If you had experiences like this at Dealerships ,than post their names and don't lead people to think they are ALL that way.They're are many Independent Shops out there sticking it up peoples asses too!!

I've been at a Dealership,where I work now for 28 yrs.We have some of the BEST Techs anywhere,Does our Service Dept. Screw people..NO!We have some of the cheapest prices out there,including Goodyear,[Stick it up your Ass] Midas,Firestone,etc. for Maintenence.

If any of you Guys need any Service work done on just about any make or Model,I will personally see it thru and get you Discounts!We have a Chevrolet and Honda Store.If you need a New Car or Truck.Oh,located in Silver Spring,Md.

And Again Vinny,I apologize,You just happened to be the one that got to me.Nothing Personal!!!!![Mike]

 

[toddstackle]

Vinny, let me help you out here, All dealer ships suck


I must say there are a few out there that will screw you 3 ways to sunday, and there are some out there that can't do enough to help you get back on the road, last year while on vacation a selinode went up while towing my boat to chincoteague I was about half way there went out on a saturday to the ford dealer in pocomoke they ran the computer and told me what it was, they did not have one on the shelf but would have one by monday 12:00pm I took the truck back and in two hours was done, they did what ever they could to help out.