Dodge Stratus performance problem

Tiny
AMOL2739
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  • DODGE STRATUS
Hi,

I have a 2002 Dodge stratus SXT, 2.4l I4 DOHC engine with 90000 miles on it. Recently I got the following service performed on the car:

1) 90k service - including oil/air filter change, spark plugs replaced etc.
2) Timing belt replaced
3) Tensioner and water pump replaced
4) Transmission fluid replaced.

note - Technician had disconnected the PCM from the battery.

Now after I got the car back there is a strange problem. The car runs fine in the lower RPMs. But as soon as the RPM goes above 2500, the engine sounds as if an extra load had been added to it and it feels noticeable sluggish. The engine sounds rough. This problem is especially noticeable when I am tackling the mountain roads at freeway speeds. The car needs to be in the higher RMPs but as soon as the RPM level goes up, the engine goes sluggish and car doesn't speed up. I have travelled on the same raod several times and the car used to tackle it with ease.
I know the technician screwed up something but dont know what. It doesnt feel like a tranmission slippage. I took the car at the service center and they tested it on the road and with the scanner but found no codes/problem.
One thing the technician did tell me was that since he had disconnected the PCM, it got reset and needs to relearn all the settings again - i.E. The shift points for the transmission. But its been 2 weeks I have driven the car and I suppose its enough time to relearn the new settings.
Can some one tell me what could be the problem?

Thanks in advance,
Amol Purohit
Saturday, August 11th, 2007 AT 11:26 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Sounds more like he missed the cam timing when the belt was replaced. Take it back and tell them to fix it, the car has had enough time to "relearn" and it doesnt run any better.
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Sunday, August 12th, 2007 AT 8:50 AM
Tiny
AMOL2739
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Jack,

Thanks for your reply. Can you explain a what do you mean by Cam timing so I that I can tell it to that technician. Secondly, wouldn't it set a code in the PCM if that were the case?

Thanks,
Amol Purohit
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Sunday, August 12th, 2007 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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It might set a code.I went there because that is a common miss considering the work that was done. He knows what that means. If he missed one of the two cams it can run like you describe, and it didnt run that way before the t-belt, correct?
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Monday, August 13th, 2007 AT 8:08 AM
Tiny
AMOL2739
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Jack,

You were bang on target regarding the Cam timing being off. I took the car to the service center and they fixed the timing problem and accepted their fault.

Thanks a lot,
Amol
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Tuesday, August 14th, 2007 AT 11:31 PM

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