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Chrysler Repair/Poor driveability when warming up: '01 3.8L minivan

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Expert: - 7/12/2011


Question
I have a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country with a 3.8 engine. When I first start the vehicle it seems to run fine, however, once it warms up it starts to run rough at about 1000-1200 rpm and 20 mph. It stumbles, surges and sometimes misses but seems to drive well at other speeds and RPM.

I just discovered it has a small rad leak and will be replacing the rad this weekend. I have changed the plugs, plug wires, air cleaner, cleaned the throttle valve assembly and run a can of injector cleaner through.

I have been told that it is the coolant temperature sensor (ECT) by a mechanic that looked at it but he said he can't test it fully until the rad is replced because it loses pressure.

There are no codes set but a faulty ECT should set a code???

What could cause this problem?

Answer
Hi Leigh,
It could be the ect sensor if the loss of coolant causes a void in the cavity where the coolant sensor is located. That might cause a false low temperature reading and thus a too rich mixture.
The other possibility is an egr valve whose 'action' is sticky. You could spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the body of the valve, then work it back and forth via the slot in the valve stem so it closes positively via spring-action.
I hope that one or the other of those is the answer.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about a nomination of me to be "volunteer" of the month consider responding 'yes'. Thank you

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Roland Finston

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I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

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Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

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Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

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Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

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"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

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