Hi, i have a 2001 dodge stratus with the 2.7 v6. Anyways about a week ago my car started having an issue. When i go to start it i have to crank it over a couple times for it to actually start. Usually it starts on the third crank.

Anyways im not to familiar with this cars fuel system so i got a question.

I have already did a tune up, oil, air filter, spark plugs, clean maf. No check engine light. Well, of course i check the normal things and everything seems good. The car runs amazing when its actually driven, and idles and everything perfect which makes me rule out a bad fuel pump, or fpr, or clogged filter. How ever i was thinking somone the car is not priming, and thats why after the third crank it starts finally.

So i check the power at the pump for priming, and it gets 12v. I did notice it is very fast to go on and off.

I can also hear the pump and it sounds healthy.

Heres my question, On your stratus how long does your fuel pump prime for when you 2nd click the key?

This one only primes for maybe, MAYBE half a second. Every other car i ever owned or worked on, the pumps runs for a good 2-3 seconds. This on cuts on and off quick! So im thinking its not priming the motor properly due to pump not running for long.

So i know its relay controlled, and i swapped the relay and its still the same. So i know the pcm controls the relay so i was thinking maybe swapping the pcm. So if somone can kindly go listen to how long there pump runs and let me know it will help me alot.

Also was thinking clogged injectors. Or maybe the crank sensor since i think that controls the engine fuel and spark or whatever.

Lemme know what you think, tips advice, remeber car runs amazing once started.

 

Same problem here and eventually the Check Engine Light came on. I still haven't replaced the PCM but going to try and get that this weekend.

 

Hi there. Funny enough but I've got exactly the same problem. I recently had spark plugs, wires and distributor cap changed. It runs great and idles well. I was told the problem maybe related to pump pressure? Any suggestion about what to check?

Thanks..

 

My problem is fixed it was the fuel pump sump sender unit had a crack not giving full fuel pressure.

 

Is that part of the fuel pump? How hard is that to change and where is it located. I might try that on mine but have limited resources (time and place) to do that right now. If it's too big a project I will take it somewhere and have it done but if I can do that in an hour or two I might give it a go.

 

It's what holds the fuel pump its inside the gas tank not very hard you just have to drop the tank. Run the car ok empty so the tank is light and its only a few bolts and hoses and it comes down with a floor jack.