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Dodge Stealth Car Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1996 Dodge Stealth mileage: 89,000. I need some reliable advice on tire replacement. I really liked the Eagle GT+4 that came as original equipment, but then made the mistake of replacing them with a different brand (and am glad they're finally worn out so I can justify getting rid of them!). The +4 is no longer being made, so what's the best tire you can recommend? This is what I'm looking for: 1. Excellent cornering, 2. Responsive to the low-end torque (...the reason why I love my Stealth), 3. Performance yes...but not too too loud (most road surfaces around here are chip-and-seal, which is deafening in and of itself), 4. Reasonably good handling in rain / surface water (I do live in sunny Seattle, after all). I'd really appreciate your opinion, since it seems like recommendations are all over the board.

Answer: Making a tire choice is extremely important as you can well imagine. Generally, we recommend staying with original equipment tires (not withstanding the Ford Explorer) for each make and model. Since you cannot get Eagle GT+4 any longer you need to do some homework. Most public libraries have research material (for example "Car and Driver" or "Road and Track" Magazines) or you can visit our Repair Manuals page for additional resources.

Question: 1996 Dodge Stealth mileage: 105,000. I had to have engine and transmission rebuilt at about 80K miles. Because of problems with engine and other parts of the car, the car has been in the repair shop for all but a total of about 4 or 5 weeks over the past four years. About 2.5 years ago I got the car out of the shop, had it for a week or two and it started smoking really bad. When I took it back, they had to repair or replace the rear turbo. But, again, because of other problems (mainly the radio controls on steering wheel were malfunctioning, oil pressure gauge registering low, radio changing volume all by itself, etc.) the car remained in the shop. It sat in their lot until about a month ago, when I finally got tired of waiting and the repair folks said they were not going to fix the remaining problems, I got the car out. The tires were rotten, but the engine seemed to run OK. Since I am tired of dinking with the car, I decide to try selling it. So, I replaced tires. I week later, I noticed the oil pressure gauge was still low, but did not consider it a problem, since I had just got the car out of the shop the oil level should have been OK. But, another week later, the oil lamp came on. I added oil and the car immediately started smoking really bad. I took the car back to the shop, who told me the front turbo is now leaking. My question is, is there a chance that the turbos leaking might have been caused by the car having been left setting for such a long time without the engine being run? The tires rotted while it was setting there. I wonder what else rotted due to lack of use. Any ideas why the turbo began to leak? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

Answer: It is possible for the oil seal in the turbo to fail. One possibility is a plugged oil return line not allowing the oil to return which causes excessive pressure on the seal. Another reason for high oil consumption on a car, which has sat for along time, is the piston rings get stuck to the piston and no longer seal on the cylinders.

Question: 1995 Dodge Stealth mileage: 130,000. My Stealth has multiple problems. The ABS light is on continuously. The dealer says he reset the computer, the speed sensors are ok, and the hydraulics are ok. When driving the car, the dealer says the diagnostic reader keeps receiving many codes. He suggests I replace the computer for $1800 and cannot guarantee this will solve the problem.

Answer: We would suggest that you try another shop to have them look at the ABS system and scan for fault codes.

Question: 1994 Dodge Stealth  mileage: 105,000. My Stealth won't start at times. When I try to start it the turbo boost gauge pegs itself and it sounds like relays in the dash are clicking. If I turn the key, on and off several times the boost gauge will return to normal and the car will start. My local Dodge dealer said they could plug it into their computer but it would not tell them what the problem would be. Help!

Answer: After reading your question we feel that the ignition switch may be the cause of your no start.

Question: 1995 Dodge Stealth mileage: 128,000.  Hey Guys, Like clock work about every 1 1/2 years for some reason I need to replace my battery.  When I do, the computer loses my idle setting.  What is the procedure for resetting the idle?  Last time this happen someone from work had the same problem and they told me what to do which worked and thinking I would remember the last time I replaced the battery, but I didn't.  Therefore, could you please help?

Answer:  The computer controls the idle speed.  If you drive the car, the computer will “relearn” the correct idle speed.

Question: 1996 Dodge Stealth mileage: 90,000.  I was reading about the different warning lights, and I've seen that when the check engine light comes on it does not turn off until the computer is reset, My check engine light turns on and off as I drive, I took it to a mechanic and he said the oxygen sensor needs replaced, but that didn't help.  Any suggestions?

Answer: The “check engine” light will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component.   Because the check engine light indicates something is wrong, a trip to you neighborhood automobile service center sooner rather than later is recommended.

Question: 1996 Dodge Stealth mileage: 138,600.  This car calls for premium fuel.  Why?   What does premium fuel do that regular will not?  What would happen if regular were put in this car?  What type of reliability can I expect from this car?

Answer:  Your engine in your car is a high performance engine.  Premium fuel reduces pre-ignition and detonation (pinging) in your engine.  If you use regular gas performance, would suffer and cause possible engine damage.  With proper care and maintenance, it should be a reliable car.

Question: 1995 Dodge Stealth mileage: 114,000. My son just bought this car yesterday. It's in really good shape or so it appears. When he backs up, (its a 5 speed) sometimes there is a loud "bump" sound. What could that be and what are the potential repair costs? Thanks

Answer: The "bump" is probably caused by a broken engine or transmission mount. A broken mount would allow excess movement. The costs for replacing a mount should be approximately $100.00.

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