Questionmy 97 Town & Country (LXi, AWD) was parked unused for 3 days. Today morning when I tried to start it (temperature is usualy in 50s all night around here) it started fine but within 1-2 seconds (before i could put it in gear) engine died. This continued for 30 minutes where I kept on starting it , it started perfectly fine every time on first attempt, but eachtime within 1-2 seconds of starting it died. I gave up for the time being but tried again later in the morning after couple of hours and now it came up and is running normal with no problems.
This exact same problem happened few months back, when I went on vacation for couple of weeks and car was parked unsued.
Any clues or suggestions or advice before I take it to a mechanic and shell out $$$ in getting it diagnosed.
TIA for your help.
AnswerHi Smir,
It would be useful to see whether the engine controller has recorded any fault codes which would give a clue as to the reason for the no start situation. You may be able to readout the controller with your ignition key: turn it "on-off-on-off-on and leave it on" within an elapsed time of no more than 5 seconds. Then watch the check engine light to see if it begins to flash, pause, flash, pause, etc. If so, count the number of flashes before each pause, make a note of these numbers; the last two sets of flashes will be 5 each. Then group the numbers in pairs to form 2 digit numbers, the last of which will be 55 (end of readout). Repeat the ignition key manipulation again to verify that you have the count accurately. Then write back with the other code numbers, and tell me which engine you have.
It may well be that your controller will not respond to the ignition key because the system was changed in the years 95-7 depending on the car model and the new system didn't provide a self-readout. Then you have to go to a tune up shop that has a code reader (or buy a code reader) and have them plug it in under the dash and read the codes out electronically on their reader. Get the exaxt numbers of the codes. Then we can see if any of those would cause what you are experiencing. The readout should be done at a shop for a cost of about $40 and is probably the most efficient way to identify the problem.
Possibilities include a crank sensor that is going bad (code 11) or a faulty temp sensor that is providing the wrong mixture (code 22), a sticky egr valve (check for freedom of movement of the valve stem in the "cage" on the top of the valve/lube stem w/WD-40, to a flakey ASD relay (code 42). There is also the possibility that the vehicle theft system is falsely alarmed and is behaving as if you are trying to steal the vehicle. You could test that theory by unplugging the theft module located above the glove box (remove the box, and then only when you have the car running is it safe to disconnect the plug to the theft module; never unplug it while the engine is off or you will put the controller into a 'no start permanent' mode that can only be countermanded by a code reader at a Chrysler dealership).
So that is how I would proceed in your situation.
Roland
