QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I have a 97 Chrysler Stratus(Cirrus in the US). I'm from Holland. Nice car, but an unusual error since yesterday. Every two minutes, exacty I timed it, while I'm driving the check engine light flashes one time for half a second along with the cruise light. Also the engine gives a kick at the same time. Then it's all fine, for two minutes and it happens again and again. The cruise control also stops and has to be reactivated again.
The first time this happenes when driving away sometimes the locks also lock along with the event described above. I checked the codes and get 12,51 and 55.
Also had a scan done a the local USA-car garage, universal gear was used but nothing strange. 02 sensors indicate lean and inject apear to indace rich, hich explains code 51. Note, I drive petrol gas and LPG, error occurs on both.
The 2 minute interval is what's bothering me, it's structural, not incidental.
Got a clue what to do?
ANSWER: Hi Gandert,
I don't recall seeing anything with 2 minute periodicity, though that doesn't mean there isn't a built-in computer-controlled test like that. The engine kicking will probably cause the cruise control to drop out. There are numerous possible reasons for the 51 code, unfortunately. Did you happen to get the specific 4-digit OBD-II code number froom the garage's readout? The 2 minute periodicity is the issue it appears to me, otherwise I would wonder whether the battery was disconnected (causing the 12 code) or is there perhaps a intermittent in the 12V supply wire to the computer that is supposed to be connected all the time? That comes out of fuse #5 in the underhood box (check that one for perhaps having a crack in its wire that opens/closes spontaneously) and goes to pin 46 of the computer.
On the door lock clicking, I would try pushing out on each of the doors to see whether the interior lights come on which would suggest the door latch striker in the frame needs to be moved inboard as that would otherwise cause a false 'door ajar' alert which prompts the door locks to try again.
Use the "thank/rate" tab below to get back with any answers/observations, without having to wait for me to be 'available'. There is a section for 'comments'. Also mention which engine (L) is in the vehicle. Although it is a '97, the fact that you can get codes with the key suggests that it is equivalent to a '96 domestic US car. Otherwise, I don't believe the key will give codes. This discrepency seems to be typical with overseas delivery.
Roland
PS Do you get the 2-minute glitch when you aren't using the cruise?
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QUESTION: About the PS, sometimes it did and sometimes it didn't.
It's the 2.5 v6
ANSWER: Then I guess that removes the cruise as the problem. Anyhow, check the fuse and door latch situation see if you can get the specific OBD-II numbers from the garage (if necessary ask that they re-read for free as that is what you need to know).
Roland
Roland, I switched the fuse with the hazard light fuse (both 20A) and drove some 20 minutes. For some reason the cruise didn't keem speed, but after restarting it did work properly. Looks like it all works again. Great!! Hope I can ask another question as well. Idle drops back to 550 rpm in Drive sometimes. A while bick it was pretty cold and when making a cold start it didn't stay on idle until engine was warmed up. Looking at earlier questions asked on this site, I'd say the egr valve doesn't work 100% anymore, or do you suspect anything else? Thanks again.
That is good news. Let's hope that is the end of it.
The egr is always a good suspect. Also, try cleaning out the throat, butterfly plate (both sides) and by-pass air passageway (idle control) in the throttle body. Thanks for the nomination and evaluation.
Roland
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QUESTION: The car was fine for 2 weeks. Now the same error is back. I tried the fuse #5 again, but no succes. I also get code 34 now.
BTW a while back my battery was daed and I used another battery to fire up. That explains the code 12 I think.
AnswerHi again Gandert,
The 34 code is saying something is wrong with the speed control circuit which harkens back to your original problem. My experience is that the clockspring flexible connection between the steering wheel and the steering column has probably developed a short/open in one of its several wires, most likely the speed control wires. There are a several pages of testing that you can do to try and prove that out or find another part of the circuit (the servo itself, the connections at the powertrain computer) where the fault might lie. But the clockspring is the prime suspect. You could either try to replace that, or I can xerox copy and mail you the pages that cover the code 34. Or I can send the pages that show you how to change the clockspring unit by removing the steering wheel.
Roland
PS Use the "thank/rate" to get back to me with your thoughts. While you are there if you will notice in the evaluation area an item labeled "nomination" if you would be so kind as to change the 'no' to a 'yes' that would case a vote for me to be 'expert of the month' for November and I would be most appreciative. Thanks
PPS Yes, that is a good reference. And yes, the clockspring is a common weak link that fails regularly and should be available in Europe. If not let me know. Thanks very much for the nomination.
