Engine is sputtering and quiting

DESERTANCHOR

MEMBER
2004 DODGE INTREPID
100,000 MILES

I have a 2004 Dodge Intrepid that pulled codes P0420, P0344 & P0340. I changed the plugs & coils AND the Cam sensor. Added fuel injector cleaner to the tank on fill up, immediately the engine hard sputtered on rapid acceleration. Took the negative cable off the battery for a half hour to reset the codes. Re-attached cable and drove the car about 1 mile and upon stopping the engine dies. Restarts and has a hard time continuing to run without having pressure on the accelerator. The engine light has not come back on, but I have not been able to get it up to have it scanned. Is there something else I can do that is obvious to anyone?

3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Well, by clearing the codes, you erased the memory settings. The motor has to do a re learn for the idle.
Also, when you cleared the codes you erased needed freeze frame data for a tech to see which could lead him in the right direction for the repair.
Your 420 code is most likely a failed cat converter. The others are related to the cam sensor but a code never identifies a bad part just a failed system.
Drive the car steady at 45-55 for 5 minutes to help the idle re learn. Beyond that, how did it run?

Roy

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Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 AT 6:45 PM

DESERTANCHOR

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi, thanks for the answer. The codes were printed for me, so I have them. I will try and run the car as you suggested. Other than that, the car seems to run fine. Other than the Cat code, what is it I am looking for that would indicate the cat converter is actually failing? Is there a possibility of some fuel sensor or fuel pump problem or is it really as simple as it needing to re-learn the idle?

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Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 AT 6:53 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

It may just neeed a re learn. You will see. The cat code may not come back for a couple of days as it has to fail the monitor test 3 times for the code to set.

Roy

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