You are here:

Chrysler Repair/Chrysler 300M Check Engine Light

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/5/2011


Question
QUESTION: After starting my 1999 Chrysler 300M the Check Enging light stayed on and was blinking for about a minute, then went off and stayed off.  Any ideas as to why?

ANSWER: Hi Donna,
Use your ignition key to get a specific fault code and we can go from that point. Turn the key:" on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window in the instrument cluster to see the mileage reading disappear and in its place a 4-digit number preceded by a P. Let me know what it is.
Roland

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

QUESTION: That didn't work, I tried several times and the mileage still came up, not codes. When I started it up, the Check Engine light didn't come on at all, but the car was idling rough.

Answer
Hi Donna,
My suggestion then would be to go to a nationwide autoparts store, such as Autozone, where they often will do a free readout using a code reader that plugs in to a socket under the dash. An independent shop will also do that but might charge you $40. Get the code numbers that way and let me know.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roland Finston

Expertise

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.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

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

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

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

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

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.