Engine will not idle, loss of power, no codes?

Tiny
SNOOKY012001
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I pulled a good motor from 2007 pacifica to put in this car. Changed all sensors, changed timing belt prior to installation. Once installed the car will start and run but only if giving it gas. Hesitates on idle and dies. When driving no power won't get over 40mph, tranny shifts slow. I rechecked the timing, crank gear was about 3/4 turn forward, I repulled the belt reset time. I only moved the crank 1/4 turn verified TDC on #1 plug reset belt. Cranked it over a few times timing was still good. I've ran the car some since then timing is still dead on. The only cel I get is idle air temp sensor. I changed that still get code. Sometimes the CEL will flash for a minute then stop. Fuel pressure is 55psi. I've changed plugs which keep ending up black on 1 3 5 cylinders. Checked fire to all coils and checked all injectors are clean and firing fuel. Changed intake gasket as well. What else am I missing? Could me only turning the crank to complete that 1 revolution put it 180 out of time?
Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 AT 11:57 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,298 POSTS
It can be the timing belt is off, so let's check that against the markings below. I just checked and the 07 engine has a chain. Is that what you meant? Here are the marks for the timing belt engine (05). I am wondering about the compression on 1, 3 and 5. Once you recheck the timing marks let's do a compression test on those cylinders, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Check out the images (below). Let us know what you find.
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Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
SNOOKY012001
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I did confirm the timing marks are correct. The 2007 I pulled motor out of was a belt. I was reading a forum this morning and someone had a similar issue turned out to be alternator. I had it tested and sure enough it's bad. In the process of putting motor back together. I have another alternator so having that checked this afternoon. Will update soon.
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Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,298 POSTS
Yes, it could be throwing AC voltage which can be the problem, when the engine starts do you have a battery warning light on?
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
SNOOKY012001
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ken, I had the alternator checked it was bad. I pulled one off my other pacifica to see if that fixed it. It helped a little but did not fix the issue. Still no codes, no battery light nothing. I drove it yesterday for about 15 minutes or so it seemed to get a little better as far as power but still really sluggish and died as soon as I pulled in the driveway. This morning, I pulled the exhaust away from the manifold to check if it's the cats were clogged. It actually idled for a few minutes I drove it around the block and it ran decent. Smelled really rich though. As soon as I pulled in the drive it died and wouldn't idle again. I waiting about 45 minutes checked it again and it started and idled for a few minutes then died. But giving it gas it will stay running. Still no codes.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 12:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,298 POSTS
It sounds like you have a fuel injector that is stuck open, let's remove the spark plugs to check the color, the dark plugs or plugs will be the cylinders having the issue. Also, when the engine is running does the alternator charge, here is a guide that you can use to test it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Upload images of the spark plugs. Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Friday, April 4th, 2025 AT 9:54 AM

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