Dies Occasionally

Tiny
BERNSAX
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 DODGE STRATUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • 96,000 MILES
2.7 engine. This vehicle has recently started dying occasionally at stoplights. However, it always starts back up immediately. Some days it runs just fine. Other days it may quit 4 or 5 times. No codes. The spark plugs were changed at 100,000 miles. It was dying before the plugs were changed and then the problem ceased until just lately. I have put injector cleaner in the gas tank the past 3 times when filling up. Without a code, I don't know what else to do.

Also, how far should the temperature gauge rise? Recently, a local mechanic changed the thermostat. However, now the temp gauge only rises to the first mark and stays there. Never goes any higher and then drop back down when the thermostat opens. Is this normal? I thought there might be air in the system or the thermostat was faulty. He put another thermostat in it last week and with the same result. It's a 185 degree thermostat but a computer says the coolant is 180 degrees when fully warmed up.

I'm not sure if a false temp. Reading could cause the dying problem.
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 AT 2:37 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I would look at the throttle body and idle air control. Could be carboned up.

A code number would help to identify a failed system, never a bad part.

As far as the temp, check the sender unit by the thermostat housing. It may be bad.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 AT 2:45 AM
Tiny
RSWAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
I recently had a problem similar to this. Does the car "hiccup" when in low speeds or idle? My problem was a worn out spring inside the coil-over-spring spark plug boot. I found this out by visual inspection. I bought a new boot ($10) and the problem was fixed. I would check the boots and make sure the springs are getting contact with the contact on the boot as well as the spark plug.
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 AT 7:47 PM

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