2003 pt cruiser engine light?

Question

car is very jerky when accelerating

Answer 1

Most common cause is a misfire due to worn plugs or wires.

Cycle your key on and off three times ending with it on (on means in the run position, but not all the way to the start position).

Chances are, you'll get one or more of the following codes:
P0300 = Engine Misfire Detected
P0301 = Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
P0302 = Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
P0303 = Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P0304 = Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

If that's the case, then replace the plugs and see if that fixes it, if not, then replace the wires. If you've never changed the wires, might go ahead and change them anyway.

If you get a different code, post another question with whatever codes you do get.

Answer 2

2003 Pt Cruiser Engine

Answer 3

The little car is computer controlled. What you are driving is for the most part physical and mechanical. The computer cannot talk to you. So when it "sees" a defect or failure in an electronic circuit or system that it monitors, the only means it has of telling you is with the "Check Engine" light. The problem could be something as simple as a loose fuel cap, or something much more complex, like a cam sensor. When you retrieve the code(s) that triggered the light, the tech will know what circuit or system to check and repair. The thing for you and the tech to remember is that the code represents a failure in a circuit or system, NOT NECESSARILY a particular component. Sometimes it is easier (but not necessarily cheaper) just to replace the major component and call it diagnostics and repair. But if there is something else contributing to the failure, you get to do it again. Be very careful with discount auto repair. There are some that are very good, but many are driven by a percentage of the money brought into the shop and don't really go the extra mile to complete the repair correctly., , nor do they make much effort to keep costs down. Good Luck

Answer 4

A REAL COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE ENGINES IS THE UPPER PART OF THE SPARK PLUG WILL CRACK AND DEVELOP A TRACK MARK ON THE INSIDE OF THE SPARK PLUG WIRE BOOT. IF IT IS A MISFIRE CODE PROBLEM CHECK FOR THIS. ALSO REPLACE WITH CHAMPION SPARK PLUGS AND A GOOD SET OF WIRES AND APPLY SOME DIELECTRIC GREASE TO THE INSIDE OF THE PLUG WIRE BOOTS BEFORE INSTALLING THE NEW ONES

Answer 5

its most likely a misfire code if its running rough. you can cycle the key 3 times to get the codes, or take it to autozone. if its a misfire you;ll need to start with plugs and wires. you have to remove the plenum, so this could be something you'll want to take to a mechanic. whoever fixes it, use quality wires and champion plugs.

Answer 6

Go to auto zone or similar parts store and they will read your trouble codes and see what's causing the problem. NEVER replace any part till you know the problem. I presume your engine light is on ??

Answer 7

plugged fuel filter or maybe plugged injector(s) or fuel injector (s)going bad (assuming it is fuel injected) possibly fuel pump going bad