1999 Dodge Avenger Difficult starting

ALRIGHT1114

MEMBER
1999 DODGE AVENGER
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
79,000 MILES

My '99 Dodge Avenger has been intermittently experiencing difficult starting, which will usually self-correct after 10-15 minutes of starting attempts. Under normal circumstances, a mechanical sound can be heard from the passenger-side rear area of the car and the car will start without difficulty. I believe this noise is the fuel-pump priming the fuel line and it has occurred since the car was new. However, when this problem is experienced, the noise is not heard and the car won't start until the noise again returns.

Occasionally, the car will also cut off without warning while driving. It will usually start back up, though, without much difficulty, when this occurs.

I've been told this is probably caused by a faulty PCM, but it hasn't been checked yet by a technician. Since the PCM is painfully expensive, I'm wondering if there are any cheaper possible repairs I could try before taking this plunge.

Incidentally, please advise where the PCM is located on this vehicle.

Thanks. Alan W. - Richmond, Va.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,262 POSTS

Alan:
First, it could be a bad fuel pump or a fuel pump relay. The relay is under the hood in the power distribution box. If you open the box, the lid should indicate what each relay is for. Find another relay that has the exact same part number and switch it with the fuel pump relay to see if that is the problem. If it is, you should hear the pump kick in. If that doesn't work, when you have the problem, you need to check to see if the fuel pump is getting power. That will require removing the fuel tank to access the pump in the tank.

I doubt it is the PCM. If I would guess, it is either the relay or the pump.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe