I posted this same message on another forum...

This started happening friday..

I have a 2001 v6 3.0 with 239,000 miles. Very few issues at all, until now...

On Friday I was pulling into the store and as I slowed down to park, my car died. In drive, just shut off. Luckily, I was right beside Auto Zone. The car fired right back up, I go in Auto Zone and they test the battery. Battery comes back bad, car won't even turn over (5 minutes after it died the first time). Put a new battery in, and they check the alternator. Supposed to be at 14.5, and it comes in at 14.0. Guy says thats fine. So I start the car to leave, and it dies immediately. I go back in, and the guy at Auto Zone says to just drive it like that and give the computer time to re-set...and after 10-15 minutes I should be good to go. This was on Friday, its Monday and the problem is still there.

I took the negative cable loose from the battery and left it off for an hour to see if that would help, but to no avail. I can drive around by keeping my foot on the throttle, but will die as soon as I stop and let my foot completely off the throttle. My next guess is to change the plugs and plug wires. I battle with the plenum and finally get those changed, but it doesn't help. Does the same exact thing as before. Starts fine, dies immediately.

I've heard via Google that an 02 sensor is a possibility. Searching this forum, I read that it may be a Idle Air Control Valve. I've also read on here about a Map Sensor. Just looking for some advice on what to do about this..


Fast forward to today (tuesday)



Well, now the issue has progressed. I came to oreilly (closest place) to get them to hook up their scanner, and the guy can't find anywhere to hook up the scanner. So he says it can't be done, and they can't run the scanner on my car. (Is this true/right?).

Now is where the problem progresses...

I started the car up and put my foot on the gas to keep it running, and it died. I start it again, this time putting the gas pedal all the way down and it still dies. It will only get up to about 17-1800 rpm with throttle all the way down, and runs for about 3 seconds now before it stalls out. Does this help anyone with figuring out the problem?

The guys at oreilly seem to think it could be a fuel pump. What about a catylac converter? Just throwing ideas out there.

 

Hi I also have a 2001 stratus 3.0 rt. First off let me say I'm impressed with the miles you have. Good news for me at 86k! Ok lets break the problem down. It can't be electrical, firstly because it DOES start and your alternator is ok so thats not the reason it is dying. When you think about the way engines work it immediatly points to a fuel issue. No fuel no start. Just like that guy says. Go to a close shop and have them look at it. Try to have them take a look at it without charging you. Another component of the fuel system that yells, "HEY LOOK AT ME" is the FUEL FILTER. If it hasnt been changed in 239k it ABSOLUTLY could be clogged causing you to not get fuel. This is a EASY AND CHEAP FIX. I would start there. You can get a fram fuel filter from any autozone for around $6-$8. Im absolutly sure this will fix your problem. I dont think its an idle sensor because it would be throwing a code if it was.

BTW the diagnostics plug in is under the dash right above your right leg. If you have an RT the plug in will be Mitsubishi.

 

If it's a sedan with a gray key, the transponder may be faulty. The gray key has a chip that tells the car it's the proper key. Without this, the car will start, but shut down within 3 seconds.
Try a different key, or you may have to have the module in the steering column replaced.