QuestionI have a question concerning my engine light on my Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI, 2000. I am trying to pass my emissions test in the next week and the light keeps coming on. I have gone to several mechanics including Chrysler themselves and even though they are giving me the same codes everyone is coming up with different totals for the car that are exorbitant. I have already put a ton of money in the car as well as a new distributor this past July. This past week I had AutoZone run the codes for free and had a tune-up done on the car. I had all the spark plugs, wires, coils, distributor cap, rotor, and valve cover gasket changed. After doing all of that the engine light stayed off for two days, but now it is back on. The codes are po300-306 (the same codes that were going off on the car before we had all the parts put in. No one wants to tell me what is wrong with the car, or what part needs to be changed without charging me hundreds of dollars that I don’t have. Given that the car had a tune-up and is still misfiring on all cylinders, can you please suggest which part needs to be changed. Someone suggested a fuel filter, or putting fuel lubricant into the tank. I need to pass my emissions asap. Thank you for your time.
The car has 149,000+ miles on it
AnswerHi Katelynn,
There are so many possible causes of a multi-cylinder misfire that what is the best approach would be to know/find a sharp tune-up mechanic with much experience with this engine. The process would be to use test equipment to verify the spark system, check the compression of each cylinder, check the injector electrical performance, check the spark advance, check the intake manifold vacuum and its variability under increasing rpm and rapid acceleration/deceleration which could point to a specific mechanical issue. The purpose of the diagnostic effort is to identify the true cause so that any money invested in parts/labor is spent knowing that there will be a positive result
On the fuel filter, that is a fairly costly replacement so that would not be something to try without basis for suspicion, such as the missing occuring only when driving at highway speeds and otherwise not present (e.g. fuel starvation). An additive in the tank might help get you through the emission test but no guarantees.
Let me suggest one simple item that you can service yourself and which is not easily seen as a 'fault' by the engine computer: the exhaust gas recirculation valve. That part can get gummed up which then causes a too lean condition which causes a multiple cylinder misfiring. All you need is a screwdriver and spray can of WD-40 if it needs attention.
The first thing I would do is check the mechanical function of the egr valve which is located along a small pipe that runs from the left exhaust manifold (on the side of the engine facing the front of the car) to the rear of the engine at the intake manifold area (below where the incoming air in the large rubber tube enters the throttle body). That valve is metal and has a round fitting with a vacuum hose attached, mounted on the top of the valve, and the round part is attached to the main body of the valve by a sort of saddle. Inside the open saddle you will see a metal rod (with a slot) that connects the round top fitting to to the valve body. That rod is a stem on the valve and it is supposed to go in and out in response to the engine vacuum which varies with RPM and throttle opening (gas pedal position). Take a spray can of WD-40 or other penetrating lubricant and spray the stem where it enters the valve body and then use a regular screwdriver blade tip inserted in the slot to lever the valve in and out to try and free up its motion. Also check all the rubber vacuum hoses associated with the valve and a nearby vacuum solenoid valve. If the valve seems to open (against the action of a spring) and close firmly by the spring action when using the screwdriver blade to facilitate the motion.
The valve itself could also be faulty to the extent of needing replacement, but that would not be something I would suggest without trying first to block off the function of the valve. Nonetheless here is what I know about that:
Technical Service Bulletin from '01 which suggests that the EGR valve could be the problem even though there was no code for it being at fault.* But first, try the WS-40 approach.
Please let me know how it works out for you.
Roland
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*18-020-01
GROUP: Vehicle
Performance
DATE: Aug. 17, 2001
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retreival system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
SUBJECT:
Rough Idle, Hard Start, Start & Stall
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a revised EGR valve.
MODELS:
1995 - 2000 (JA) Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus
1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Vehicle may intermittently exhibit any of the following conditions:
• Rough engine idle.
• Hard start or long crank after hot soak.
• Start and stall when started with cold engine.
• Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0300, Multiple Cylinder Mis-fire.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III®) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures,
verify all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If other DTC’s are
present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding
further with this bulletin. If the condition(s) can be duplicated or is described by
the customer, it may be caused by the EGR valve being stuck partially open. To
confirm whether or not the valve is stuck partially open:
1. If the condition(s) can be duplicated, then block off the EGR passageway to the
intake manifold. If the condition(s) disappear, but will reappear when the EGR
passageway is re-opened, perform the Repair Procedure.
2. If the condition(s) cannot be duplicated, but are described by the
customer, perform the Repair procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 04287646AC Valve, EGR
Roland
