QuestionQUESTION: Just bought this car last week and this morning it will crank, start and die. Is there a fuel cut off switch I can check?
ANSWER: Hi Lillian,
If it dies in approximately the same number of seconds every time, then that would indicate that the vehicle security system is behaving as if it armed and is preventing you from stealing the car.
Try using the door key to lock/unlock the driver door to see if that corrects the problem and if not then do the same thing at the passenger door and try again. If that doesn't do it, then I can give you the instructions for how to fool the body computer into thinking that a door has been lock/unlocked and then let's see if that does it. It may be that the wire from the driver's door lock is broken somewhere between it and the body computer so that the system is not disarming. If you want to by-pass the theft system then do not secure the doors via the power locks or the door key but rather use the push-buttons on the doors to lock them as you exit.
Finally, you can disable the vehicle security system as the last alternative and I can tell you how to do that.
If it is not dying in exactly the same way each time, let me know and we'll try something different. The theft system cuts off the spark and fuel pump, but there is no other fuel cut off switch.
Roland
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QUESTION: You were right!~ it is the theft system. It has happenned 2 more times. I use the remote to lock and unlock the doors and it will start. THANK_YOU SO MUCH!
Another question . . The convertable top motor runs but the top can only be put down manually. Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Hi Lillian,
I am glad that the theft system is resolved. On the power top, I would suspect that you are low on hydraulic fluid which the motor pumps. You have to take the 'Sling well' covering off from behind the rear seat with the top up and then remove the floor covering to gain access to the port into which Dexron type II transmission fluid is added. Don't use that fluid in the transmission of the car, only use it in the power top reservoir. The transmission uses type ATF +4.
Roland
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QUESTION: I took the vinyl cover off from behind the seat, do I need to tear up the flooring to access the reservoir? Also could not get Dextron II , bu I did find Mercon V which states it is suitable for Dextron II . . will it do?
AnswerHi Lillian,
The floor cover should be removed to reach the hydraulic reservoir. I have not done this myself so am basing my advice on the manual for '94. The claim that Mercon V is suitable as a substitute for Dexron II is probably correct as I do not believe that there is a significant incompatibility issue for this system. The automatic transmission is much more sensitive to the issue because of the more extreme operating conditions there-in (you will want to be sure to use ATF+4 for that). I do notice in the '03 Sebring manual that there is a recommendation for Dexron III in the convertible top system so you might look for that as an alternative to Mercon V.
