Car dies when turning wheel to hard and idle drops when slowing down to turn.

TECHSAVVY1

MEMBER
2004 DODGE STRATUS
2.4L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
143,000 MILES

At first the car was overheating and antifreeze was leaking but we have since already got that fix last winter. But now this winter we have another problem. The car when in drive has an average idle of 1500 rpms and while slowing down to turn the idle drops and the car just cuts off right there. It will normally start back up. Sometimes when there is a cold snap it doesn't want to start up like around when it is 20-30 degress Farenheit outside when trying to warm it up and you have to rev the engine in order for it to start up. And also the oil light is constantly on and now my check engine light has finally stayed on at each startup. At first they would appear and disappear but now they are on each time. Today I notice it was sputtering like a jerking motion while at a red light and when I drove off it went away. I would glady appreciate any help, I don't know if the cyclinders or PCM or something could be causing the issue? Thanks.

Monday, December 30th, 2013 AT 5:21 PM

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Since the check engine light is on, I would recommend having the computer scanned to identify the cause of the light. Most parts stores will do it for free. As far as the oil light, that is a concern. Is the oil clean and full? Is there any knocking or ticking from the engine?

Something is telling me that either you have a vacuum leak or the idle air control valve is causing the idle issue. However, by scanning the computer, that should tell us where the problem is coming from. Do that and let me know what you find. Also, if there is any knocking or ticking from the engine and the oil is full. Let me know before running the engine.

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Monday, December 30th, 2013 AT 5:28 PM

TECHSAVVY1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for replying, this past weekend I had added some more oil to it and the light is still on. It hasn't had an oil change in while a few months or so. But I will be taking it to a mechanic this week on Thursday to see about the problem and I will update you then. I just would have liked to know what I'm going to be up against when they diagnose the problem. And I did think of getting a diagnostic check from a computer scan but that all will be done when I take it to the shop. But until then I will surely update you on this.

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Monday, December 30th, 2013 AT 5:38 PM