1999 Chrysler Sebring Car won't start

ZUSYSK886

MEMBER
1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

My girlfriends car seems to start sometimes just fine but than we will run it somewhere and come back half hour later and it won't start and we have to wait 15-30mins before trying to start it again and it seems to work but the rpms are low till it hits about 1 and half grand and you can work the gas to get the rpms up and then take off and driving seems to even it out so the rpms stay at even idle. I am clueless as to what this could be cause the codes don't show up but check engine light is on but no one seems to have a clue please help me

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.