1996 Chrysler Concorde no power

Tiny
CHRYSLERCHUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE
Engine Performance problem
1996 Chrysler Concorde 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive 160000 miles

The idle speed changes by a couple of hundred rpm and after reving the engine and taking my foot off the gas, it has a tendency to die. It has no power when it's in gear. We checked the fuel pump, changed the plugs, installed a new fuel filter, cleaned the throttle bore, cleaned the pcv valve, put in a new air filter, checked the compression and 2 cylinders are running about 85 psi and the rest are about 105 psi, the injectors are clicking, the timing belt was changed about 30,000 miles ago. I have run out of ideas, can you help? Thank you very much.
Saturday, June 19th, 2010 AT 6:17 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
85 and 105 are low compression readings, either you have worn engine parts(likely), or the converter is clogged.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2010 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
CHRYSLERCHUCK
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Thank you for the response to my question. Because the problem came on fairly quickly and the lack of maintenance prior to getting the car, I'd guess that the converter has never been changed and is the most likely source of the problem.

Thank you
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
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I recommend you test it with a back pressure tester, or vacuum gauge. Unscrew an O2 sensor, install back pressure tester, start motor, reading should be 2 psi or less! Vac gauge, attach to ported manifold line, start engine, raise RPM to 1500-2000, reading should remain steady, if it starts dropping, cat is clogged.
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Sunday, June 27th, 2010 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
CHRYSLERCHUCK
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The problem is solved. There were 2 plug wires that had tiny holes in them that were grounding out the plugs. The electricity was getting through them, but was grounding out to the block prior to reaching the plugs. I feel stupid for not seeing that, but things tested okay and I didn't see the holes. I tested the cat and it's not good and needs to be replaced, but the 02 sensors haven't shown a problem, yet. We had a P0403 sensor light go off, so that's most likely the EGR solenoid.

Your help has been invaluable. Thank you
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Monday, July 5th, 2010 AT 10:16 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Chuck, dont forget new O2's all around when you do change the cats. Glad to help.
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 AT 9:26 AM

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