Chrysler Repair: Driving hesitation/power steering whine, serveral times, oxygen sensors


Question
QUESTION: Roland,

I have been in contact with you recently about my 1991 lebaron not starting, ended up being the fuel injectors. My new question is this, my lebaron, 3.0 engine, does some hesitating while driving down the road, acts like like not getting enough gas or choking. Hesitates, or slight lunging or jumping at around 35 to 40 mph and around 60 mph (almost like taking foot off the gas pedal.I have changed the tranny out, the old one used to drop down to second gear and not shift back out. New gas tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, plenum gaskets, fuel injectors, gas lines. The car does not have an egr valve. any ideas

ANSWER: Hi William,
Any fault codes? 'On-off-on-off-on and leave on', with the ignition key in 5 seconds or less. Count the number of flashes of the check engine light. Repeat to assure an accurate counnt.
Intake manifold leak?
Oxygen sensors? (if so a code will show)
Let me know if you get any codes.
Roland


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

QUESTION: Roland,

Fault codes were, 12, 17 & 55. I just changed the thermostat, so the car warms up quicker. Any chance the jumping in the tranny is caused by one of tranny sensors? I had a 37 code before i changed the tranny out. One other question if you have the time. A pressure line broke on my power steering pump and i drove it for a day or two. I put on new lines and now the pump "whines". I dont think it has air in it, i moved the steering back and forth serveral times. Is there any hope of the pump coming back to life, or should i except the price and time of a new pump? Any positive remarks on the special fluids out there that are designed to stop the whining? Thanks again for your time, i can see that you are very busy.

Answer
Hi William,
Replacing the thermostat was responsive to the code 17. The 37 code is not applicable to your 4-speed electronic transaxle so that may just be a phantom code. The whine may be due to slightly low level of fluid, and it possibly may be de-aerating so check it from time to time as that will cause the fluid to drop. A hose may be touching the body/chassis so check for that and reposition if necessary. Other than that it is internal damage to the pump which requires replacement.
Also, did you use approved power steering fluid? You are not supposed to use ATF in its place. How well is the power steering function? If it is acceptable, wait and see if it quiets down.
Roland