QuestionMy chrysler new yorker has died randomly while i was driving a few times in the past year. Usually i wait a few minutes and then try to start it and it fires right up. But today I was driving and it quietly quit on me while going about 40mph. My car's temperature is fine. The oil is low but not empty, the "Low Oil" light didn't come on. The starter is working because i can hear it. I try not to strain it. The air filter is dirty but not blackened. I tried spraying starting fluid into the air intake and it didn't seem to help much. The car sounds like it wants to start up but can't quite do it.
In the last month i've noticed that my gas mileage has gone down about 5miles per gallon according to the computer! also the car seems to putt putt more now then ever.
There's a slow oil leak in the main engine component that causes the oil to slowly burn or sometimes run down the front on to the oil filter and a few wires get dirty and oily that connect to the starter below the oil filter. I add Stop-Leak and other treatments about once several weeks to keep the leak under control. I check oil often and keep it at a steady level.
I drive my car cautiously. I usually don't go on highways i just drive 45-60mph at the most. I don't dog it.
I have the hunch that an '89 chrysler new yorker like this requires its motor parts to be replaced every couple years. its not built to last but its built to easily replace parts with newer ones. It is true I've replaced so much in this car that it becomes routine.
On the plus though, the car's interior is the most comfortable i know of.
Anyways my car is at the end of the street on a country residential road in northern Virginia. Hopefully some jerk doesn't tow it off somewhere and try charging me. You have any ideas how i can try getting it started just to get it up the street into my driveway? I already tried adding a little oil and spraying starting fluid into the intake. Might the distributor have anything to do with it? A coil? How would i know? what are symptoms to look out for? is there an elimination process I can go through to pin point something? the car computer display doesn't show anything to be wrong that i can tell. damnit cars shouldn't be computerized they should be strictly motor and mechanics.
I missed my college class tonight because of it. and i might miss work tomorrow. I'm an intuitive learner and a novice mechanic. Do you know where i can get diagrams and information on my car?
Well man I'd appreciate you reading this letter. I anticipate your advice.
-Mathew Fillmore
AnswerHello Mathew,
That is a great description of symptoms.
The engine generally depends on two things to run...spark, and fuel.
You can remove a spark plug wire, and using a spare plug, or a piece of wire, you can tell if spark is present.
If spark is there, i would think there is a good chance that it is the correctly timed spark, considering how you have taken care of it.
That leaves fuel.
The fact that you tried starting fluid and didn't get a hit, sounds like the spark may be lacking, but not necessarily.
If you don't have spark, check the ign fuse first, then check for power to the coil, which is probably inside your distributor cap.
In the library, refference section, you can find a manual for that car which has a troubleshooting section, as well as a section on testing all the parts.
You may only need a coil, or even wiggling a wire connection may fix it.
Yes...computer engines are different to service, but generally speaking, they run far longer, with less attention.
Good luck,
Van
