Car starts great when cold but once it warms up it acts like it wants to die and sometimes does die

JULIAMARIE512

MEMBER
2004 CHRYSLER CONCORDE
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

My car starts right up when it is cold. Once the engine warms up it starts running rough and doesnt accelerate well. It never actually overheats though. After a while of driving it acts like its going to die and then sometimes it does die This only happens when I am idleing or about to stop going 10 miles or less. When it starts to die I can give it gas and the car does not die. When I am driving over 10 miles the car just drives really rough and does not die on me. When it dies and I try to restart it sometimes it doesnt want to start sort of acts like the battery is dead. Once it cools though it will start right back up. There is not an engine light on yet. I know the engine light works because I lost my gas cap a few weeks ago and the engine light comes on. I bought a new one and the engine light went away. I am not sure what to do. Please help.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

So it runs good when cold, correct? Since the check engine light hasn't come on, chances are sensors are working correctly. That leaves a couple things to check. First, you mentioned that it sounds like the battery is dead. Can you explain what happens? Does the starter click? Also, has the battery light ever come on? Have you had the battery and alternator tested?

Next, have you ever noticed white smoke from the exhaust? Have you ever checked the catalytic converter to confirm it isn't plugging? Has fuel pump pressure ever been checked when it dies?

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Thursday, June 5th, 2014 AT 11:52 AM

JULIAMARIE512

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The battery is brand new however. I havent checked that but I have never had to get a jump. The battery light never comes on. When the car dies it acts like the batter is deadish kinda wants to crank but doesnt. However once the car completely cools down it starts right up like nothing is wrong with it. There is a smell when I start the car kinda like gas. And sometimes there is a little smoke from the exhaust. My boyfriend thinks its the crank coils. I am never around anyone who can check the fuel pump when it dies. THere is no clicking noise when it dies either. When it dies I wait like 30 minutes for it to cool down a little then start it and go to my destination. It will start just has a hard time when its not completely cool.

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Thursday, June 5th, 2014 AT 2:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Since you sometimes smell gas when it starts, that points me toward the fuel system. However, if spark is lost, that can cause a build up of unburned fuel in the engine. I hate to say it, but we need to start somewhere. I need you to check the fuel pump pressure as well as the regulator.

Here is a video to show how. Do it on a weekend when you could drive it near home and then check it when it's hot.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fuel-pump-pressure-and-regulator-test-video-all-cars

Also, when it dies, I need you to check for spark to the plugs. Here are directions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system/page/4

You should be on page 4 of the directions using this URL. Start at #17 and follow through to page 5 number 20.

Let me know what you find,

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Thursday, June 5th, 2014 AT 6:59 PM