QuestionI have a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country with a 3.8 engine. When I first start the vehicle it seems to run fine, however, once it warms up it starts to run rough at about 1000-1200 rpm and 20 mph. It stumbles, surges and sometimes misses but seems to drive well at other speeds and RPM.
I just discovered it has a small rad leak and will be replacing the rad this weekend. I have changed the plugs, plug wires, air cleaner, cleaned the throttle valve assembly and run a can of injector cleaner through.
I have been told that it is the coolant temperature sensor (ECT) by a mechanic that looked at it but he said he can't test it fully until the rad is replced because it loses pressure.
There are no codes set but a faulty ECT should set a code???
What could cause this problem?
AnswerHi Leigh,
It could be the ect sensor if the loss of coolant causes a void in the cavity where the coolant sensor is located. That might cause a false low temperature reading and thus a too rich mixture.
The other possibility is an egr valve whose 'action' is sticky. You could spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the body of the valve, then work it back and forth via the slot in the valve stem so it closes positively via spring-action.
I hope that one or the other of those is the answer.
Roland
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