1997 Dodge Stratus 1997 Dodge Stratus 2.4L with bad hesitat

Tiny
STRATUSGUY
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 147,568 MILES
Hi,

I sure hope you can help. I have read just about every comment here and can't find a single answer that matches my issue.

I have a 1997 Dodge Stratus, the 2.4L 4cyl Engine. The car has a rough idle, hesitates badly from the stopped position. On the interstate, below 60 the hesitation is there, above 60 it is more irradic.

With so many possibilities, I took it to a dealer who told me the only problem was the Camshaft Sensor. I replaced that and the problem went away for about a day and then returned. Since, I have replaced the ignition coil, Throttle Position Censor, new Bosch plugs and wires.

Now one other thing, the car was in a front end collision a year ago. Though no major body damage, the air bags did go and are currently not hooked up. I have a strange electrical short in the stereo system as a result of the crash.

I have had the car retested and they could not give me a solid diagnosis, yet I sure paid for them to tell me nothing. The engine light is not on nor ever has come on. The Airbag sensor is on, but then, the air bags did go and have not been replaced. The car is not work but maybe $500. But if I can get the dang hesitation out, itd be serving me just nicely.

My only thoughts are the MAP or PCM. But if the map was bad, wouldn't my engine light be on?
I put a reader on the obII with live feed and even when the car does its hesitation, nothing comes up.

Have any thoughts.
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 AT 11:04 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I would think the map would set the light. Have you ever checked the catylatic converter to see if it was damaged in the accident? Have you ever heard a ratteling from under the car?
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
STRATUSGUY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have not checked the catalytic converter. How would I know if it was damaged? There is no rattling or noise of any kind. Aside from the obvious hesitation in the idle, the car is very quite.

What do I need to be looking for with regards to the catalytic converter?
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Actually you need to check for back pressure. Feel if there is a good bit of pressure coming from the tail pipe, listen for whisteling or hissing from the converter area, or listen if there is a ratteling coming from that area. Actually, when the engine is cold, take a rubber mallot and tap on it to see if there is any noise coming from it.

Let me know what you find.
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 12:55 PM

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