My daughters '96 Stratus blew a thermostat gasket and after she's stopped to let it cool off for a while, it wouldn't start. The engine cranks - all lights work - no spark. A friend of hers advised her to to replace the coil block, which she did to the tune of $90. But no change. How do I access the error codes, and any ideas on what could be the cause of the problem?

 

Welcome to DF
I would ck the wire harness to the crank sensor, if it is oily. Open the harness. To ck for codes, you'll a scanner.

 

Okay. Error code returned was 54, which I understand to be cam sensor error. Checked cable - was clean. Replaced sensor tonight, which also entailed replacing the connector pigtail. Still no start and, again, returned error code 54. Are we looking at a new ECU, or, is it possible that the timing belt has broken or slipped?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

Pull off the upper timing cover and have some turn the key. If the spocket don't rotate,then the belt is broken.

 

Any luck?

 

So, here's whats happened so far. We had a mechanic take a look and he discovered that the water pump had ceased. This caused the timing belt to self destruct, taking the intake cam gear with it. He replaced the defective parts, set the timing ... and the engine still wouldn't start. In fact, it sounded as though the starter was running with no load at all. A compression check showed almost zero compression on ALL cylinders. He pulled the head and found NO damage to either valves or pistons. A check on the head it self showed that it was slightly warped, and there was a small crack between cylinders 2 and 3. He obtained another head, had it checked for valve seating (back pressure test on intake and exhaust valves exceeded 50psi), and ensured that there were no cracks or warps. When installed, there was NO CHANGE - the engine turns over, there is fuel reaching the cylinders, and a strong spark! Follow-up compression check showed 80psi on 1, less than 50psi on 2 and 3, and 90psi on 4. Chrysler tech assist told him that this engine needed at least 150psi on all cylinders before it would start. Thinking there might yet be a valve issue, he dismounted the cams and ran a sealed system compression test. Results: 58psi on 1, 140psi on 2, less than 50psi on 3 and 4.
We're totally stumped and have - to date - put over $1000 into this thing.
Does ANYONE have any ideas!
Please help!
Thanks

 

Could have put a know good used engine into the car for less $.

Assuming this is a 2.4?

What about a leak down test? That'll show you where compression pressures are going.

 

dont want to sound like an *** but i'm going to anyway im sure...but think after you get done wtih this thing it will be like it was in 96...or at least what it was like in 2000....