car problem ?

Jackavelli · 02-28-2012, 05:39 AM

Cranked this morning, while warming up it cut off, radio / lights still on, only thing lit up on dash board was oil light. Cranked it again it started but immediately cut off. Then it would never fully start/turn over again. Prob is engine light ain't on, so u know dealer gonna be like no clue what's wrong.

Less than 2 weeks ago dealer replaced crank sensor cause car was doing almost same thing, but engine light finally came on for them to hook up to machine. Today was first time it wouldn't even act like it would almost turn over and start up. 04 dodge stratus.

Jackavelli · 02-28-2012, 05:43 AM

I also had dealer replace battery less than month ago.

Same type of starting up and dying while cranked issues I had to get rid of last car, dealer could never figure out problem. diff car brand and dealership

wizard1183 · 02-28-2012, 07:23 AM

Sounds like a battery issue, if not cant help you. Part of the problem is its a stratus. Those cars aren't the most reliable IMO. But then again is any dodge,chrysler, jeep, or eagle?

Jackavelli · 03-05-2012, 02:10 PM

took it back to shop and machine again said it was crank sensor (which they replaced within last 60 days). shop on a hunch replaced the cam sensor instead today, they told me the car is now working, so i'll see how long that lasts.

so in last two months have replaced the battery, crank sensor, and the cam sensor....

Expatriate · 03-05-2012, 03:50 PM

When is the last time you replaced the fuel filter?

SharonT · 03-05-2012, 04:57 PM

It could be a short somewhere, causing those parts to blow like that. Check to see if any wires are worn/grounding and if your fuses/box/relays look okay. Track down which fuse/module all those other parts go through and see what gauge wire is used under that box.

SharonT · 03-05-2012, 04:59 PM

Oh, and check to see if they're just changing a fuse each time it blows, and adding on those parts to make you feel better. Take a marker and mark each one if you do decide to bring it back to the same shop. But don't let on that you marked them.

amused · 03-06-2012, 07:45 PM

You have a car that is eight years old . I'm guessing over 100k miles . You're getting to the point where stuff is wearing out . It was all new around the same time , so it's not unreasonable to see parts failing at this late date in close proximity . That being said , unless you're getting gouged it's still less than a payment , though irksome certainly . Do you like the car and/or want/need to keep it ? The LEAST worrisome approach is a proactive one . You'll need to figure out a schedule of wear items , and replace them as time/budget allows . This will establish a new baseline at the level of the quality of parts you've chosen and get you some peace of mind (obviously stuff just breaks sometimes , but that's just as true for a new car.) Failing that , just try to stay liquid enough to stay ahead of it , and eventually you'll catch up .

Jackavelli · 03-22-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expatriate

When is the last time you replaced the fuel filter?

less than 1 year ago

Jackavelli · 03-22-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SharonT

It could be a short somewhere, causing those parts to blow like that. Check to see if any wires are worn/grounding and if your fuses/box/relays look okay. Track down which fuse/module all those other parts go through and see what gauge wire is used under that box.

good eye.
the dealer had the same idea, called me today and said we started checking all your wiring. they took a hammer and hit the cpu and the car would die. tap the cpu and car would almost die and then keep going. they are going to order a cpu.

Jackavelli · 03-22-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amused

You have a car that is eight years old . I'm guessing over 100k miles . You're getting to the point where stuff is wearing out . It was all new around the same time , so it's not unreasonable to see parts failing at this late date in close proximity . That being said , unless you're getting gouged it's still less than a payment , though irksome certainly . Do you like the car and/or want/need to keep it ? The LEAST worrisome approach is a proactive one . You'll need to figure out a schedule of wear items , and replace them as time/budget allows . This will establish a new baseline at the level of the quality of parts you've chosen and get you some peace of mind (obviously stuff just breaks sometimes , but that's just as true for a new car.) Failing that , just try to stay liquid enough to stay ahead of it , and eventually you'll catch up .

yes i like the car and it's over 100K. This is exactly what i was thinking, for now I'd rather replace a part here and there than to get a diff car. At some point it might not be worth it but for now I feel it is. I don't have the figures in front of me but i'm thinking the new battery, new crank sensor, new cam sensor, and new cpu will be right around $1,000. Not bad for a 2004 vehicle imo, if all this makes it run for another few years.

in case it's not obvious, it' s back in shop, it died while i was driving to work this week. tow to dealer was free.

BHM · 03-22-2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackavelli

good eye.
the dealer had the same idea, called me today and said we started checking all your wiring. they took a hammer and hit the cpu and the car would die. tap the cpu and car would almost die and then keep going. they are going to order a cpu.

Had a windshield guy do the same thing to me. He whacked it with a hammer and sure enough, a long crack appeared so he replaced it with a new windshield.

Jackavelli · 03-22-2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHM

Had a windshield guy do the same thing to me. He whacked it with a hammer and sure enough, a long crack appeared so he replaced it with a new windshield.