QuestionQUESTION: I recently noticed about Weeks ago that my car is doing hard starting. It doesn't start right away like it used to. It now takes additional secs for it to start up. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this issue cause its my daily driver and i would love to get rid of the problem before its too late.
Thanks
George.
ANSWER: Hi George,
The best approach is to do a diagnotic fault code readout using a plug-in code reader. You often can get that done free at an Auozone or similar mationwide auto parts store. Get any 4-digit fault code numbers, ask what they mean, what they rcommend to do. Let me know the code number(s) and we'll compare that to the troubleshooting manual to see what should be done. An independent shop will charge around $40 for a readout.
Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Roland,
Just got back from auto-zone and the guy couldn't find any code cause the check engine light isn't on. Please advice.
AnswerHi George,
Do you mean that because the light wasn't 'on' that he wouldn't attach the reader and seek codes, or do you mean that he tried by plugging in the code reader and no codes came out and besides the light wasn't 'on'?
If the former, then that doesn't mean there are no codes, because not all codes will turn 'on' the light.
If the latter, then that would mean there are no codes in which case the only things I can suggest are that you check back in your records to see when the spark plugs were last changed and if that is approaching 100,000 miles then I would consider changing those as that is recommended by the Chrysler shop manual.
Also, take a look at the intake air filter and see how cruddy that is and decide whether that needs to be changed.
But if the code reader wasn't actually attached to the socket in the car then go back and request that they do an actual readout even though the light isn't "on".
Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland
