Well I drive a 96 Douge Stratus and it is always dying on me. I dosn't matter where, in the middle of the freeway or at a stop light. It just randomly dies and it has been getting really bad to where it gets really hard to start back up. It will turn on but just die right away or when I start to accelerate. I am low on mony right now and could use all the hepl I can get.
2006-09-16 06:51:02 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Take the car to a mechanic. Since you are not able to fix it yourself obviously or you would have diagnosed the problem and done that. What are we supposed to do? repair it over the Internet?? Diagnosed any of 20 problems that might cause this and guess? lol
2006-09-16 06:59:05 · answer #1 · answered by Island Queen 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry about your finances, but this is going to cost some no matter what.
When it dies, does it just up and die, or does it sputter and lose power then die. Makes a difference where you look.
If it just dies, it is most likely ignition related, and is PROBABLY a CAM and/or CRANK sensor related issue, although not ABSOLUTE.
If it sputters or loses power, it is a good chance it is fuel related.
Even though your car is OBD II certified, you can still get some codes without a scanner, but you will have to use a chart for '95 to determine the description.
Do This----->
Take a pad and pencil out to the car, and WITHOUT distraction, pay very close attention to the check-engine light.
Turn the ignition key on to the "run" position, then "off", then "run" then "off", then "run" and leave it in run. DO NOT try to start it, just cycle the key. Do it all in 5 Seconds.
Now watch the light. Pay close attention. It will begin to flash codes. If you lose count, or get intrrupted. turn it off for 1 minute, and start over again.
A flash, pause, then a flash - flash is interpreted as a code 12.
Flash, flash, flash, pause, then flash, flash, flash, flash is interpreted as a code 34.
Go to the library in the REFERENCE section, and use their repair manuals for a '95 Dodge, and check the definitions there.
Keep in mind that the codes are only related to a circuit or system, and NOT necessarily a specific component.
If you wind up with codes relating to cam or crank signal, or "Lost SYNC", you have a problem with the cam and crank sensor circuit(s). The repair manual will explain the procedure for diagnostics.
If your car sputters out and loses power, you are probably losing your fuel pump.
The pump is located in the fuel tank for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is that the pump uses the mass of the fuel to absorb the heat that the pump generates to dissipate the heat to the outside air.
If you have made it a practice of driving most of the TIME (not mileage) with less than 1/4 tank fuel, you pump may well be failing, and you will have to replace it. In order to do this, the tank must be removed.
GREAT care must be taken not to generate any sparks or other ignition source while working around the fuel vapors present in the tank.
If you do this repair yourself, replace the pump, the strainer sock, and the fuel filter all at the same time.
Then, always make it a point to keep at least 1/3 tank fuel to avoid this again (with any car).
Good Luck
2006-09-16 16:05:53 · answer #2 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Could be your 02 sensor. I have a 98 BMW and the same thing was happening to me, took it in to the dealer and that was the problem. I don't know if that is the problem with your car, but its worth a shot.
2006-09-16 14:02:50 · answer #3 · answered by june clever 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stop driving this car and save up and get a better one.This one is to old to put money into it.
2006-09-16 13:54:00 · answer #4 · answered by pirateron 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋