2001 Dodge Stratus will not start

Tiny
GCADRETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I changed the plugs and wires. I took the car for a ride and it started running rough. It got so bad that it will no longer start and the engine light came on. I also smell gas now. This all happened the same day. Diagnoistic code PO172 system to rich bank 1. I checked the plugs and they are correct. It is a 2.4 DOHC 16 valve.
Friday, December 26th, 2008 AT 1:05 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Have you verified that you have spark? Need to start basic. Double check that nothing is unplugged or no vacuum lines are off.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, December 26th, 2008 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
GCADRETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It has spark. I cannot find any wire or line disconnected. I can hear it wants to fire. I can hear the fuel pump on and do smell gas. All fuses that I can see are fine. Except the sealed ones I can't see into. Timing belt was changed 5,000 miles ago. Would spark plug gap have a large effect on this. I did not have a gap gauge and put them in right out of the package.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, December 26th, 2008 AT 2:35 PM
Tiny
GCADRETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It has spark. I cannot find any wire or line disconnected. I can hear it wants to fire. I can hear the fuel pump on and do smell gas. All fuses that I can see are fine. Except the sealed ones I can't see into. Timing belt was changed 5,000 miles ago. Would spark plug gap have a large effect on this. I did not have a gap gauge and put them in right out of the package
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, December 26th, 2008 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Pull a plug and see what they look like.(Wet from fuel) Did thecar run smooth when you first started it after doing the plugs and wires? Do the wires click positivley on the plugs?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, December 27th, 2008 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
GCADRETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I gapped the plugs (not that far off) and made sure the wires are on tight. I removed the o2 sensor and sanded it down. Why I don't know. The o2 sensor wires were oily so I cleaned it up. I got it started but I had to push down on the gas pedal a little to get it fired up. It runs like it has no power. I charged the battery but each time I start it I have to push the gas pedal down a little. Could it be the o2 sensor?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 4:57 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Possibly, but that will usually set a code. Is the check engine light on? Try cleaning out the throttle bore with a little carb cleaner and a rag. Also find the fuekl pressure regulator, it is on the fuel rail and has a small vacuum line to the intake. Check for fuel in this small line, if any is present replace the regulator.A blown reg can make it run rich and need a little more air to start
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
GCADRETTE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I mentioned the code I got in my original question. P0172 System to rich bank 1.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 5:59 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
That is why I suggested checking the regulator, rich bk1
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 4th, 2009 AT 8:24 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE