I own a 98 Stratus V6 with 70k miles. I am the only owner, bought the car brand new. Other than tires, the only other thing we have ever had to do for the car is a new battery about 6 months ago. The car has been driving great and I have noticed nothing about it that seems off. Got in the car this morning and it will not start. It cranks and cranks but just doesn't catch. Drove the car all over town yesterday, lots of stops and starts as I ran errands and it started just fine everytime.

Are there any quick, easy things to check before towing it to the mechanic?

Thanks in advance . . . . . .

 

this works for 95-99 neons, turn the key to on (right before start), off (one click back), on, off, on; this MUST be done in 5 sec. codes will start to flash. check the search for codes(look at top of page for "search"). could be a LOT of things. check fuses, both in car and under hood, might be something simple. let us know what you find. good luck.

 

Fuel pump?

When you first turn the ignition to the run position (not start), do you hear the whirring sound of the fuel pump in the back? On my 97 Strat, there is a valve on the fuel injector body (much like the valve on a tire) that when the center pin is pressed, will squirt fuel out. Check to see if this is the case on yours.

Could be a lot of things. Make sure you're getting spark as well.

taco

 

after thinking about it some more it MIGHT also be a fuseable link. basicly it's an inline fuse that's between the alt and batt. had a buddy with one that was cracked, not melted (like a norm blown fuse). most of the time the cracked fuse would make contact and charge the batt. about once a week (sometimes more) he would hit a bump and the fuse wouldn't make contact. next day the car wouln't start. just a thought, hope it helps. any luck yet?