1998 Dodge Avenger Dies While Driving

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EAGLEOFWAR
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I have a 1998 dodge avenger, 2.5L V6 with 131655 miles. The problem is when I crank the car. I'll crank the engine, and start driving. When I first bought the car it would drive for five to ten miles, then quit. It would sputter or otherwise act like it wasn't getting any gas. The rpm's would flatline and the car would cost, dying completly about a minute later. the radio and ac would work the whole time. I would pull over and sit for a minute or so, and then the car would start fine and rine perfect for the rest of the day, until i let it sit for eight hours or so when it would do the same thing. Now however, the car will not even make it a mile before dying, that is if i can get it cranked. When the car dies, if I try to restart before it is ready it will simply not catch, just try to turn over for as long as I hold the key. The wierd thing is that if I crank the car and just let it sit there it will run all day. I am thoroughly confused and any help would be appreciated.
Mar 11, 2007 at 9:18 PM
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RASMATAZ
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No CEL/MIL/SES was mentioned

I would check into these items-Ignition module/crankshaft position sensor/AutoShutDown relay-and actual fuel pressure
Mar 11, 2007 at 9:40 PM
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EAGLEOFWAR
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I meant to say it wouldn't sputter or otherwise act like it was getting gas. it would simply flatline and then quit.
Mar 12, 2007 at 10:00 AM
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RASMATAZ
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[quote:557c702844="eagleofwar"]I meant to say it wouldn't sputter or otherwise act like it was getting gas. it would simply flatline and then quit.[/quote:557c702844]

When it dies immediately check for spark and fuel then comeback. I need to know what's missing for a starting point.
Mar 12, 2007 at 11:36 AM
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EAGLEOFWAR
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the fuel pump and fuel lines were replaced recently. do you mean check to make sure the spark plugs are still good?
Mar 13, 2007 at 11:28 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Remove the spark plug-insert it back to the plug wire ground it-crank engine over-now look for a snapping blue spark-if its yellowish-coil might be weak

Also might want to check the crankshaft position sensor-the computer needs a crank signal in order to energize the injectors

Also the ASD relay ( Autoshutdown ) the computer activates the ASD relay-when ASD relay is defective you will not have power to the coil and fuel pump.
Mar 13, 2007 at 1:35 PM

Suggested Repair

When the engine dies, immediately check for spark and fuel pressure. Test a spark plug for a strong blue spark, and inspect the crankshaft position sensor, ignition module, and ASD (auto shutdown) relay, which supplies power to the coil and fuel pump.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Dodge Avenger 2.5L V6 dies after a short drive, then restarts after sitting briefly, while idling all day if not driven. Accessories still work when it stalls, and the fuel pump and lines were recently replaced. The expert advised checking spark and fuel pressure right after it dies, plus the crankshaft position sensor, ignition module, and ASD relay.

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