2005 Dodge Stratus rough start when temperature outside is

Tiny
KCHASSE
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
This issue surfaced at the end of last winter and has not shown itself again until the temps outside have lowered. The car starts fine every time unless the temperature outside is about 35 or lower then upon cold start the car start but misfires and runs real rough for up to 15 to 20 seconds. It acts exactly like a bad head gasket or leaky injector but has not done anything for like six months and has not lost any coolant at all. To rule out these option I have relieved coolant pressure when parking the car and problem was still there then I relieved fuel pressure overnight and problem was still there. I have used scan tool to look at sensors but cannot see anything conclusive.
Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 7:57 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
DANAUTHIER
  • MECHANIC
  • 156 POSTS
What fault codes does your code reader show. The first thing that comes to mind is a a faulty coolant temp sensor. If the sensor is reading incorrectly it may be putting to much fuel into the system during closed lop operation. There are many other fault that could also cause these symtoms. Write down the codes, clear them, operate the vehicle again for a while and scan again. What codes re-apprear.

Let me knw what the results are and we can narrow it down a little better.

Hope this helps.

Dan
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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
KCHASSE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
There is no codes pertaining to this problem nor has there ever been. The only code is for a small evap leak. This is what is making this problem so hard to trouble shoot.
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Friday, October 9th, 2009 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
DANAUTHIER
  • MECHANIC
  • 156 POSTS
I have run into this a few times and the Engine Coolant Temp sensor was the culprit. I could not find the proceedure to test the ECT in my database for some reason and I would definately recommend having it tested before replacement. Does your code reader allow you to see live data? If it does watch the coolant temp reading to see if seems to be reading correctly.

I did check for Technical bulletins that fit your symptoms and did not find any exact matches, but did see a lot of them for reprograming the Powertrain Control Module. I was working at a Chrysler dealership until June of this year and can say that corrupted data in the PCM was also somthing we came accross with some frequency.

I do have a manual on your vehicle, as soon as I find it I'll do some more research for you> I just wanted to give you what I've found, which I realize isn't much yet. Haven't forgot about you, I will be back in touch.

Dan
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Saturday, October 10th, 2009 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
DANAUTHIER
  • MECHANIC
  • 156 POSTS
I am still looking for the manual and haven't found it yet. I was out of town for a couple of days. I'll get out to the garage tomorrow and look again for it.I'm thinking this is one I have loaned out but I'll get the info for you soon. Or if someone else has it I'm sure they will jump in.

Any new symptom?

Let me know

Thank you,

Dan
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Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
KCHASSE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No no new symptoms. But Thanks for all your help. If you can help figure this out I would forever grateful
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Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 AT 8:37 PM

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