Expert: Roland Finston - 11/29/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1998 Chrysler sebring 2.5L that wont run if it rains, what should I look for?

ANSWER: What do you mean exactly by 'won't run'? It is usually an electrical issue if rain affects things. But which part of the running is not working, please describe. You might want to get a fault code readout at a nationwide parts store (often for free) or at a shop for around $40. The engine control module may have sensed why and put a code in its memory telling us what it thinks is wrong. Let me know more and of any codes that you find. Also, is this a convertible or a coupe?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Engine will not start/run.

ANSWER: Hi John,
That is most likely due to electical shorting out of the very high voltages on the spark plug wires to the nearby surfaces of the engine. The next time there is high humidity at night, open the hood in a dark area when the engine is running, and observe for any signs of arcing from those 6 wires. If observed, then replace all the plug wires to improve the wet starting problem.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help, turned out to be the distributor coil shorting when wet $26.00 at pull a part.

Answer
Hi John,
That is good to learn. It must have been a crack somewhere on the body of the distributor. That was a good price for the distributor, by the way, as new ones are over $200.
Roland
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