2000 seibring JX

DANIELMOUSIE

MEMBER
2000 CHRYSLER SEBRING
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I have a 2000 seibring convertable that one day just stopped running in my driveway. I was told it was the fuel pump so I installed a new one, then I was told it was the EGR valve so I installed a one and then finally I was told it was the catalilitic converter was plugged so the muffler shop installed a new one the car cranks over and does not want to start but it sputters like it is trying to start, every once ia awhile it wil start but does not idle smooth and will not stay running once you put it into drive and try and move it. I had the car at the dealership and they put 4 new plugs in and charged me $275 so I could not have them do any more work to it. Any ideas what could be causing this problem?

Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 9:02 PM

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

The most expensive way to fix a car is by throwing parts at the problem in hopes you will replace the bad one. The least expensive way is to get a professional diagnosis. The EGR valve and catalytic converter won't prevent the engine from starting. The fuel pump could but there is a real easy test to tell if it isn't working.

First of all, check for spark while a helper cranks the engine. If it is missing, use a test light or digital voltmeter to measure the voltage on one of the injector wires, either of the small wires on the back of the alternator, or one of the small wires going to the ignition coil pack or one of the coils-on-plug. I think the wire you're after is dark green with an orange stripe, but it might be different on your car.

You will see the test light light up for one second when you turn on the ignition switch, and you should hear the fuel pump hum at the same time. What you need to find out is if that voltage comes back while you're cranking the engine. This only applies if you don't have spark.

Caradiodoc

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Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 11:18 PM

DANIELMOUSIE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for responce but the reason I replaced the EGR Valve and the catylitic converter was because a so called expert that owns a repair shop in my area said that was goin to fix it without a dought, as far as the spark goes I will take at look at that and see if it is the cause of it not starting.

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Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 11:36 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

Don't get stuck on the no-spark. If it's missing, that's just one symptom, not the cause, at least not necessarily. That's why you must check for voltage at one of the places I mentioned.

Caradiodoc

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Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 11:59 PM