QuestionQUESTION: I recently did a engine swap with the same model car 2000 Chrysler Cirrus 2.5 v6 Lxi. I bought all new wiring harness, plugs, water pump, timing belt, and thermostat. The car start up just fine and I drove it for about 5 mins. Then I shut if off and to start it up. It started, but when you gave it gas it stumbled and died out. Then after awhile it wouldnt start. I have called the local part store and they said it was the gas filter something regulate. I replaced it and it still dont wanna run. Like when it gets warmed up it dont wanna fire. What could this problem be?
ANSWER: Hi Bryan,
The way to find out is to get a fault code readout. Try the ignition key:'On-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if the mileage changes to read some 4-digit number which are fault codes. Then tell me what they are and we can go from there. If that doesn't give you any numbers:
You can also get a free readout at an Autozone parts store if there is one near you, using the underdash 16-pin plug and a code reader.
It sounds like a mixture issue, maybe one of the temperature sensors, or the MAP sensor, and the code readout will give you some direction.
You might also want to check out the egr valve to be sure that its stem moves freely by means of a screwdriver inserted in the slot. If it doesn't close tightly by built-in spring-action then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the valve body. A sticking ajar egr valve will cause hard-starting but may not register as a fault code.
Let me know what you learn.
Roland
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QUESTION: Well we did run a fault code read out on the car and those to things did pop up. We replaced the 2 sensors that did pop and now no faults pop up. Its still doing the same thing. Could the cadillac converter be stopped up or even a bad ground?
AnswerHi Bryan,
Because one of the codes involved the engine coolant temp sensor I would check the wires that go to that sensor: The tan/black wire goes to pin 26 of one of the plugs at the engine controller and the black/light blue goes to the other plug on pin 43. Check those to be sure they are connected and also that the tan/black is not shorted to the other one or to ground. Even though you replaced the sensor the wiring may not be connected or could be shorted. Also, is it possible that you have trapped in the cooling system such that the sensor is actually in the coolant but rather is surrounded by air? Any inaccuracy in the temperature sensing system will result in a poor mixture situation for example the mixture will be too rich if the sensor gives a false low temp reading due to its wiring or it not being immersed in the hot coolant.
Roland
