2000 Dodge Stratus Must feed starting fluid every time to g

DODGEPROBLEMS

MEMBER
2000 DODGE STRATUS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
153,000 MILES

I purchased a car from an auction that has been sitting for at least 2 years. It will not start on its own without the aid of starting fluid.

If I feed it starting fluid for 15 Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½ 20 seconds it runs smoothly on its own and continues to run without a problem. Turn it off and try and start it again, it refuses to run on its own without feeding it starting fluid once again. You can hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds when you turn the ignition to the Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½onÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½ position.

I replaced the fuel filter AND the fuel pump and it was of no help. Any ideas? Thanks.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

When it won't start, have you checked to see if there is power to the injectors?

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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 12:59 AM

DODGEPROBLEMS

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5 POSTS

Let me check that. I believe there are 2 wires going to the injector. Is one lead + and the other -? Would I simply use a volt meter and place one probe in each terminal?

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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 8:17 AM

DODGEPROBLEMS

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One thing that I failed to mention is that the car came with no key. (Was purchased from a DWI auction without a key) so I had a standard all metal key cut for it.

While searching the internet, I found out that some of these cars require a sentry key so I called the dealership with the VIN number. They confirmed that this vehicle requires a sentry key.

Now, what really confuses me is that I am able to get the car running (with the standard cut key) after spraying the intake with starting fluid for 15 to 20 seconds. Once I get it going, it will run on its own indefinitely. It seems as if it would not run at all without this key in the ignition. Seems strange to me...

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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 9:11 AM