QuestionHi I have a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX V6...my problem is that when it there is moisture in the air or if its raining, it doesn't like to start. But when it is really cold out like 10 below, then it starts up in a second...whats up with that? My other question is that my car seems to start hard all the time. It doesn't matter if it's the first time I've started it up in the day, or the 5th time, its unpredictable. It always sounds like its not going to start, but after 5 seconds it will...please help me find out the problem with my cirrus. Thanks
AnswerHi Elena,
I would check three things:
During high humidity conditions and the engine has started and is idling (do this in the evening and at a dark location), open the hood and see whether you can see any sparks jumping off of the spark plug wires. If so, then that means that the insulation of the spark wires has degraded to the point where you aren't getting good spark at the spark plugs themselves, but rather the electrical power is being shorted to the engine block. That would justify replacing the spark plug wires. If you don't see such spark arcing, then ignore this suggestion.
Second, I would readout the engine controller memory for any fault codes it may have stored in its memory which indicate the possible cause of hard starting. Use the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on", doing this in 5 seconds or less. By "on" I mean just to the position where you have the key after the engine has started. Then watch the check engine light which will remain "on" to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the technique and recount to make sure you have the correct numbers. Then group the counts in pairs in the order of appearance to form two-digit numbers, which are the fault codes. Then write back or go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a translation. If a 32 comes up that would corroborate my third suggestion, though other codes would also explain your problem. The last code to readout is always 55 which means end of readout.
The last suggestion has to do with a part called the exhaust gas recirculation valve which when it malfunctions mechanically will cause a poor air/fuel mixture which can make for hard starting/poor idling. A 32 code is saying that when the engine control module tests the egr it doesn't seem to function, which usually means the EGR valve is stuck, most likely ajar. So you need to try and get it freed up and moving again so that it will be closed when the engine is shut down, otherwise it will be difficult to start and to idle.
Even without a 32 code, 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 intake manifold area (where the incoming air in the large rubber tube enters the throttle). 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's 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, then you should be able to now start the engine. You can, once it is idling, check that the valve stem moves when you rev the engine from idle to 2500 rpm and back to idle. The 32 code says that the engine controller has tested the egr valve and found that it is sticking, but it might stick even without setting a 32 code.
So give those a try and let me know what you learn.
Roland
