Hi! New here.
98 Stratus, auto, 2.4L engine stops for 2 seconds while driving/giving it gas - tach drops to “0”, engine light on, no power/speed loss, hard shudder/jerk (like slamming into brick wall). Then, all normal. No odors, emissions, noises - except muffled thud under hood during shudder. Started 7/05 after steady 95 mph for 30+ minutes (Interstate). Twice in Aug/Sept - same conditions. Worse in Oct – on short trips, at slow speeds, in successions of 5 or 6, plus began stalling while slowing/stopping (& cranking if foot not on gas) - hitting gas keeps engine from completely dying in all cases. No codes. Dealer replaced ASD relay ($9.70 + $65/analysis). OK for 1st 15 miles then BAM! Next 12 miles, no probs. Later, drove 27 mi. back to dealer- 1 big shudder & 2 small (they’re harder at faster speeds). Still no code - said computer resets self when engine shuts off. Replaced sensor (?). Said PCM must be replaced to get code ($500) (he added that computers don’t go bad on their own - I haven’t jumped a battery in a yr!). Saw about 20 similar probs on web - not encouraging. Any advice/new ideas?
Thanks!
Ninky

 

I would think that has something to do w/ fuel pressure...perhaps you have some blockage...you should have thrown a code if it does it a lot...if not try to pull it from an obd scanner. Also check all spark plugs/wires run some injector and fuel system cleaner spray down your throttle body for any deposits. Just go through and check all the simple things first and see if that gets you anywhere.

 

try taking and unplugging the pcm, clean the connections with some compressed air and reinstall
, mine was doing the same thing, I found i had a bad connection between the pcm and the harness, cleaned it up and hasnt done it since

 

Thanks, guys. Will definitely try. Looking at a possible pcm from a junkyard for $40 - should hear from them in the next week or so. Worth a try to see if we get a code, I guess. 3 mechanic friends said since crankshaft sensor didn't help, replacing a pcm with an internal fault would be the best next step. I'll keep y'all posted.
Thanks a bunch!
Ninky

 

Having some of the same issues with my 98. Mine seems to act up after it warms up and is intermittent. Sometimes it just runs real rough and other times it wants to die while stopped and in gear. It still has good acceleration if you hit it hard. Changed wires, plugs, cap, rotor, fuel pump and filters. Any ideas???????

 

Sorry everyone - got distracted when classes started back up. Well, while the car was still at the shop, the driving got rougher - totally stalled while going down the road, didn't even have to put on the brakes. Couldn't find a used computer, so got a new one wholesale for about $400. Since replacing it, the car seems fine. Never got a code, so everyone's assuming it was just a faulty pcm. Been driving it since Feb. 10th. Don't know if I'm imagining things, but the car seems to drive a little bit rougher than it did before all this started, but nothing to worry about.
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
Good luck to all who are still having probs with theirs.
-Ninky