1997 Chrysler Town and Country Engine starts, but won't con

Tiny
IRWINJT
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
This is an intermittant problem/condition !

Engine starts, but will not run. Immediately dies after about 1 - 2 second delay. When its in this "mood/cycle, " it will not start. When its in the "other mood" it will immediately start, run, and operate normally. So far, it has never died while moving under power.

Vehicle was towed to dealer who had suggestions, but could not find any "codes" and would not insure their significantly expensive solution would work. Car later started (next day) and ran fine. They offered no explaination. Drove it to a mechanic who replaced the oil pressure / sender unit, oil change, and other regular maintenance. He drove the van back and forth to his home over 2-3 days with his computer connected -- with no codes.

Back home and several days later, upon repeating the same problem (cranks fine, starts, and immediately dies with the check engine/no oil light on), I noted that the RPMs are zero/do not move duruing the crank and start. Later on, when its operating normally, RPM gage works fine. While in the won't start/run mood, I opened the door to exit the vehicle and tried to start again and it started. (I also had banged my fist on the dash ONE time -- medium blow -- thus, I'm thinking there is a short circuit under the dash.

Ideas?
Sunday, September 27th, 2009 AT 12:47 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
When this happens, have you been able to check to see if the engine is getting spark and fuel?
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Sunday, August 30th, 2020 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
CARSANDAIRPLANES
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Is this definitely a '97? This sounds like an issue with the transponder (immobiliser) system. What color is your key- black or gray? When a Chrysler doesn't recognize a coded key, it starts and runs for 1-2 seconds before it dies. Let me know and I hope it works out for you.
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Sunday, August 30th, 2020 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
THat is exactly correct. WHen it happens, it shuts the fuel and ignition.
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Sunday, August 30th, 2020 AT 12:25 PM

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