Expert: Skip Bollinger - 3/17/2007

Question
Hi, I have a '04' Dodge Stratus that when coming to a stop or just accelerating will constantly shut off.  This problem does not occur at any other time.  It's idling is very rough.  I have taken the car to several places, and since the check engine light is not on, they can't diagnose the problem.  It can be very dangerous when going through an intersection.  

Answer
William,
  I will tell you up front I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a tech and am NOT qualified to give you a decent answer to the question but I will offer my thoughts to help you make a more educated decision.
  Back in the days of carburetors and point ignitions, I'd look for a vacuum leak, a bad accelerator pump in the carburetor or poor ignition timing. Of those possibilities, your only chance would be a vacuum leak since it has none of the other possibilities. That was then but now is now. There are SO MANY contributing factors to cause a computerized vehicle to display the problem you have.
  I work in an Auto Parts store as Wholesale Manager and I see "mechanics" that I wouldn't let work on my lawn mower. Just because they have scan tool and a tool box doesn't make them a Technician. They have to know how to use and interpret the information given to them. It is not very cut and dried anymore. If a Tech gets an error message about, say, an Oxygen Sensor, IF he/she is good, he/she would check not only the sensor but the wiring to it. These "Parts Replacers" need to understand that a scan tool gives you a direction in which to look but it can't say, without a doubt, that a part is bad. It could be a bad part, wire or circuit in the computer. This is the person you need to find.
  In closing, yes, you will pay more per hour for the labor. The benefits are the vehicle would be fixed and you will not have wasted your time going from shop to shop trying to find someone to help you. NOTICE:
  I just called a customer of mine from work and asked her, yes her, if a vehicle died, wouldn't it set a code in the computer and KEEP it in the computer until it was cleared. She said, "Yes". She then asked me what type of vehicle and I told her it was an '04 Stratus. She explained to me that Chrysler has it's own unique computer system and the run of the mill Scan Tool is of no use on a late model Chrysler system. She said you need to find a shop that is VERY up to date with their scan tools but would probably be better off just going back to Chrysler. If it were me, I would take her advise. More expensive, I know, but it would be done and done right with a warranty. This would also put your mind at ease if the vehicle is driven by a loved one.
  I would rather be lucky than good. It is who you know, not what you know. I'm luck to have friends who can help me help others. Good luck and thank you for your question.
Skip