Expert: Roland Finston - 9/15/2011

Question
Hi Roland,

Did you guys ever find a solution for the following problem:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Chrysler-Repair-807/1996-Dodge-Stratus-6.htm

I'm driving a Chrysler Cirrus Lxi 99 and not too long ago, while idling on an incline, my engine stalled. I was unable to start the engine back up. It would crank, but not turn over. Checked the spark plugs. No spark. The spark plugs where soaked in oil due to a leak in the valve cover gasket. Fixed the leak. Replaced valve cover gasket, spark plugs, and wires. Finally I get a spark again. Drove the car for 5 minutes - engine stalls again. Check for spark - no spark. Replaced rotor button and distributor cap. Finally spark again. Engine runs for 2 minutes (idling) then stalls. Check for spark again - no spark. Did the on-off-on-off-on key trick - no check engine light or error code. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Josh,
Check fuses #5 and #8 in the box in the engine compartment. One of those might have a crack in it which opens and closes at will. Other than that, we need a fault code but the post '97-'00 Cirrus doesn't give out a code using the ignition key. You may have to get a code reader or limp it to an Autozone of similar nationwide parts store for a free readout, or a shop for a readout that should cost less than $40. If you get a code, let me know. It might be the crank sensor (about $40, code 0320) or the cam sensor (involves replacing the distributor if so for ~$200+, code 0340) so getting the code is worth it. If the behavior is that is dies a few minutes after starting, then runs again after a 'cooldown' period of time, then that is symptomatic of one of the two rotational sensors going bad.
Roland