I've got a 99 Intrepid with the 2.7l and 107K miles on the clock...It's been a decent car, but has been acting up the last few days and is now all but undriveable.

The problem...for a while now...and only very occasionally...after starting the car and putting it in gear, the engine would die. After restarting, it would be fine.

A couple of weeks ago, it got an occasional miss/stutter. I figured it was fuel related and didn't think much of it. Last Saturday, the miss started happening more frequently. On the way back home, it was even worse yet, with the last few miles being the worst, and the check engine light finally came on.

Now, it is very hard to start, but it will if you give it some throttle to keep it reved up. Ikdle quality sucks...most times it will die.

I took it to the auto parts store and they plugged the OBDII scanner in...it came back with P1391 - loss of cam or crank sensor. I did the key method to get the codes just a few minutes ago and got P1648 and P1391. As far as I know, the battery has not been disconnected in the last 50 start ups...that is odd.

I'm sure that I need to change the plugs, but should I also get the sensors? Do I need to replace both or can I check them first?

I really hate to throw money at it...thanks for the help.
Daniel

 

I would check the spark plugs the recommended spark plugs for chrysler is Champion i wouldnt buy any major stuff because it may not be major. i would also try adding some of that lucas gas treatment it cost more than other gas treatment but it works alot faster and better. ALSO while checking and changing the spark plugs make sure that they are all getting fire if they're not you need to check the coil packs to see if they're dead.

 

Thanks for the reply jamalb14...the plugs were shot and needed to be replaced, but that wasn't the entire problem. Not to be an a$$, but recomended or not, I think that Champions suck...I got Bosch Platinum 2s...@ $5 each.

Anyway, turns out that it was the cam position sensor...but when I installed the new one, it wasn't a tight fit. I guess they had the wrong one in the box, as the number was right, but regardless of that, it was a no-go. So, I cleaned the old sensor up some and reinstalled it...it had a bunch of buildup on it...so far it is working fine.

 

okay glad you got it working and you wont offend me by saying champion isnt great because i really think champion should only be for a lawnmower but if your on a budget champion will get you a few thousand miles until your able to pick up where you left off.. Bosch is the top of the line ! no argument