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Stalling & Subsequent no-start problems; possible solution for any 1st gen Stratus

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Old Mar 31, 2012 | 08:40 PM
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Default Stalling & Subsequent no-start problems; possible solution for any 1st gen Stratus

This is in regards to a possible solution to anyone that has a no start OR stalling problem, check your Crankshaft Position Sensor AND it's wiring from the ECU to the harness at the sensor itself.

This caused a stalling issue and eventual no-start on my previously owned(now), 1999 2.4L Stratus Sedan. I also previously had the starter issue that caused the popping fuse under the hood's fuse compartment, also causing a no-start but also a no-crank when the fuse would pop/blow. A new starter prevented this fuse from popping and no longer was contributing to the other electrical related issue.

Ironically, the 'new' stalling/starting problem happened JUST after I sold the car. It never had this symptom before, that is to say a stalling condition with subsequent crank BUT no start. I've also learned more about vehicles and automotive functionality/basics since owning.

It did lose about 1 quart of oil every 3,000 miles and there is/was some visible evidence of oil leaks by the wires at the crankshaft's sensor, but it appears what happened was the wiring got into contact with the exhaust(supporting bracket or piece apparently failed?) and while hot during operation/driving the exhaust was slowly burning/fraying the wires to the sensor.

This got to the point where starting was no longer possible. No CEL codes blaming the sensor, either. Fuel relay was replaced, fuel pump is fine. Filter was supposedly replaced, but I question that now, always worth it to check fuel pressure POST filter on any vehicle with a test port for fuel pressure with the Key 'On' Position, but 'Engine Off'. AKA: KOEO

Additional information: the fuel pump was replaced by the 'new' owner as an attempt to fix the no start prior to discovering the sensor's wiring issue. Fuel pump wasn't 'the' problem, and fuel pump may have still been okay, but starting symptoms were worse for the new owner related to running the tank low. Not sure if that is related to this issue. The car would start then stall while pouring into the throttle body/intake manifold, but wouldn't stay running, the issue is pressure testing with the KOEO was never done by the new owner.

Just trying to pass on the fix for anyone with a similar crank but no start condition. The car won't use fuel or ignition with the crankshaft sensor having problems I believe, SO it might appear to be an ignition or fuel delivery problem initially without properly testing those areas. Yeah, that was a symptom but not the source in their own respective systems(fuel supply or ignition/misfire during delivery etc) when the ECU was stopping their normal function(the crank sensor either cuts fuel OR ignition to the combustion chamber but perhaps both). Again, these may pass and are tested without the engine running ANYWAY.
 

Last edited by add|ct; Mar 31, 2012 at 10:29 PM.
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