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The service engine soon light comes on?

Tiny
COURTNEYRAYE22
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 135,000 MILES
What would cause my car to buck almost like I hit something while driving at 55 mph and then the service engine soon light comes on.

I was driving home last night and I was going up a very slight hill and all of a sudden my car bucked I don't know if it stalled or not because it scared me so bad that I'm not sure if I hit the brakes the service engine soon light came on as soon as it happened I drove it the rest of the way home and it was fine. I had to drive it this morning and when I was coming back home I was going down a hill and it kinda started to buck again but very slightly.

And when I let off the gas it straightens up and it drove fine home but I also started to notice a whistling sound when I give it gas it only does it at ab 35 to 55 mph and when I press the brakes and I'm sitting at a stop it vibrates if u put it in neutral it stops and it doesn't do it all the time. Please help me I don't have a lot of money and I need advice!
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Thursday, March 29th, 2012 AT 6:30 PM

31 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
This guide should help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

when was last tune-up? was it damp or raining when this happened?
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Thursday, March 29th, 2012 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Check engine over for vacuum leaks. That could be whistling noise. And cause bucking do to lean fuel condition from extra air intake.
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Thursday, March 29th, 2012 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
COURTNEYRAYE22
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It wasn't raining it was dry and can I have codes checked even if the check engine light isn't on? My car has both check engine and service engine soon light.
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Thursday, March 29th, 2012 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Yes you can check codes without light on. May not be any. What motor is in it?
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Friday, March 30th, 2012 AT 7:00 AM
Tiny
TWINKEY1
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,320 MILES
My check engine light code po440-Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction. The cel will come on for about 4 days, then it would go off, then come on again, then go off, I got a new gas cap from autozone not from the dealer, can the gas cap be the cause
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Gas cap is usually the first thing to change, but there are purge solenoids and other electrical components in EVAP system.

I would get a factory cap, if problem persists, then the EVAP system will have to be tested to make sure all components are functioning.
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWINKEY1
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Thanks for the info
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
You are welcome. But also know that the EVAP system also consists of valves/purge solenoids which may be the problem, but the cap is the best starting place.
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MAV;MV
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,250 MILES
We had the car in because the check engine light came on they could not find anything but reset all the senson. Driving home tonight the light came on again and the car is bucking, like no as is getting in the line. What could b wrong?
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Will the car start? if so then check the fuel pressure . If you don't know how then check this out.
2carpros video
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWINKEY1
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
2003 Dodge Stratus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive

2003 dodge stratus 2.4L sxt. My check engine light came on 3 months ago for a P0440 Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction code. Stayed on for about 1 week then suddenly it went out but now it just came back, can it be a glicth or what can it be
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
A few details and possible causes are below for this DTC..


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Noname_876.jpg

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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZOG1974
  • MEMBER
  • 45 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
Mechanic told me it was my valve canister that needs to be replaced. Is that the black box that is in front of the gas tank? And if so is it fairly easy to remove and replace?
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,935 POSTS
There are a few items in the EVAP system that could be the problem. Without knowing the exact code or what testing was done it would be hard to say which part he is talking about. Some are easy to access while others are in the tank. The image attached shows what I mean. Many of those items require you drop the fuel tank to gain access.
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KIMBER003
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 88,000 MILES
Check engine light comes on and off sometime takes a few turnovers to start cuts out while driving on highway. Its a 2003 dodge status
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Go to this link for more information this is your starting point of diagnosis :https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WIGGINS123
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,000 MILES
Recently my Stratus has a hard time starting. It chugs and sometimes won't start on the first try. Now, my temperature guage is all over the place, mostly on the hot side (and the oil temp light has come on). My check engine light is on. I have checked all my fluids and their all good. Whats up?
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
I would start diagnosis with the check engine light. Bring the vehicle to your local Autozone and have them scan the computer for free. Post the code NUMBERS, not descriptions.
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACKRO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 DODGE STRATUS
  • 75,000 MILES
Check engine light stays on no codes detected took vehicle to dealer and was told I needed a new computer vehicle runs perfect though but time for inspection sticker
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
It sounds like the PCM could be bad here is the instruction on how to replace it in the diagrams below.
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-1
Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 2:39 PM (Merged)

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