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It won't restart hot

Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I have a 03 dodge stratus sxt coupe. This problem just shot up out of nowhere! My car won't restart after I've driven it and gotten it warm. It starts completely fine when it's cold and it even runs great when it starts. It doesn't miss or anything. For example, one morning I made a run to the grocery store (which is about 5 min away) I went inside just to grab a couple of things (I was in there for 5 min tops) and I came back out and it didn't want to start! After about one hour of letting it cool down, it started up fine and ran fantastic. This Is a very annoying problem. I'm desperate for answers! Help please!
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Friday, January 31st, 2014 AT 7:12 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
This sound like the engine coolant temperature sensor is not working right here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job and diagrams below to show where the location is in your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers

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Friday, January 31st, 2014 AT 7:23 AM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Yes, it turns over and sounds like it wants to start but it won't. I replaced the coil pack and that didn't fix the problem.
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Friday, January 31st, 2014 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
One thing I would suggest checking is the crank or cam sensor. Sometimes those sensors stop receiving signal or picking up any signal when they are warmed up. If you have access to a scan tool check for engine rpm signal or cam signal in the data display. Checking it while cranking once you have a no start problem.
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Friday, January 31st, 2014 AT 3:53 PM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I will try that. My neighbor has one of those scanners. If that isn't the problem, what else would you recommend?
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I read that it could be a clogged fuel filter? Would this cause it not to start while hot?
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
If this helps, when we replaced the coil pack we looked inside of it to see if it was sparking while hot and it wasn't.
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
Coil pack won't spark with out a ground for it. By removing it to look for spark will not work. Fuel filter may but not likely. Check for crank signal.
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Okay I will today and I will get back to you. Thanks!
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Sunday, February 2nd, 2014 AT 5:36 AM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Sorry I've been gone for a couple of days. I haven't been able to test my car because I haven't driven it anywhere do to the snow here in KY. But, could it be that my fuel hose is getting hot and causing air lock?
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Thursday, February 6th, 2014 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
If you have access to a fuel gauge check fuel pressure buildup with key on.
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Thursday, February 6th, 2014 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
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  • 9 POSTS
Is this while it is hot or cold or both to see if there is a difference?
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Thursday, February 6th, 2014 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
Either one. This will check to see how good the fuel pump is. Needs to pressurize to around 40psi.
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Friday, February 7th, 2014 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
You can do both and see if it has a problem when hot.
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Friday, February 7th, 2014 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
BRADLEY GROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I fixed it! Installed a new coolant temp sensor and bam! All fixed sorry I did not listen before :/
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Saturday, February 8th, 2014 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
MLDANIELS2000
  • MECHANIC
  • 227 POSTS
Very awesome. Sometimes it just takes standing back and thinking through different scenarios.
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Saturday, February 8th, 2014 AT 1:38 PM

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