Engine repeatedly stalled and gave me the codes P0351 and P1390.

Tiny
STORMKENSHO2009
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,550 MILES
So when I was out job-hunting today, my car kept stalling whenever I would brake at a light. When I listened to the engine, it made this constant, low chugging sound, as if only a couple of the cylinders were working and they had to work overtime. Instead of purring, it was more like my engine was coughing. When I was able to drive at speed without braking, the car was fine, but when I slowed to a stop, it would begin jerking about in time with the engine's chugging.

Whenever I would begin accelerating from a stop, my car jerked forward instead of rolling forward smoothly until hitting around 15 miles an hour.

I'd like to know what's wrong with my car, if it's an easy fix, or if it requires a professional's work to handle.
Thursday, June 18th, 2015 AT 7:17 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Has the check engine light come on?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2015 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Forget that. I just realized you have the codes already. It sounds like a timing issue. I would strongly recommend checking the timing belt to see if there is a problem. It sounds like it jumped a tooth.

The other code deals with a coil problem which could be the result of timing.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2015 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
STORMKENSHO2009
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How would I go about checking the timing belt on my car without having to, y'know, pull out the harmonic balancer and all that? I'm asking because I had to do that to replace the water pump as well as realigning the timers after I forgot to do so the first time around. And it was a major pain in the butt.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2015 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The only thing you can do is remove the cover. I know it's a pain. The code 1390 is designed specifically for timing belt issues, so that's why I am recommending it. I wish I had a better answer for you.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2015 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
STORMKENSHO2009
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I also got a P0301 code a few days earlier when I was running errands, though my car only stalled when pulling into a parking space. It didn't pop up tonight, though.
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Friday, June 19th, 2015 AT 1:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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The P0301 indicates a misfire on cylinder 1. Have you checked plugs to make sure they are still good?
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Thursday, June 25th, 2015 AT 1:17 PM

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