Chrysler Repair: 89 LeBaron stalls intermittently, code 11, spark plug wires, coolant temp

Question

Hi,

I'm having the same problem that Jeff asks you about in this post http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chrysler-Repair-807/89-LeBaron-2-5.htm



but it appears that Jeff didn't follow up so I would like to add to this question as I'm currently having a very similar problem. In fact, I'd say it's identical except that my problem just started a few days ago. I have not replaced any of the stuff Jeff replaced but I did replace my fuel filter and my air filter. The only recent thing that has happened to my car was a mis-connected jump which shorted a fuse on the other cars stereo, but appeared to leave mine unharmed. One of the spark plug wires has had some wear for a while which I believe has been causing some sporadic idling. I checked the codes in the manner you describe and I got 12, 11, 37, 55. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ben


Answer
Hi Ben,
The 12 means the battery was disconnected or discharged recently, the 37 means (if you have a 3 speed automatic) that the turbine lock-up which is supposed to come into play above 40 mph is not doing so, and the 55 means end of readout.
The code 11 is very likely the cause of any problems with the engine refusing to start and/or stalling after driving it for a while. That code says the hall effect sensor in the distributor is not getting the spark timing signal to the powertrain (engine) controller. It is located in the distributor under the rotor and dust cover. It costs about $40 and is easy to replace yourself. Do the replacement without removing the distributor so as to not loose the timing setting. Otherwise, retime the engine with a timing light: the coolant temp sensor plug disconnected, and the engine warm and idling. It should read 12 BTCDC.  
So try that and see if it solves your problems. Best of luck.
Roland