'01 Trooper Stalling

[Busibanker]

I have an '01 Trooper with 109,000 miles. Problem started about 6 weeks ago. The car starts OK, runs OK for maybe 5 minutes or so, but then when I slow to make a turn or stop, the engine dies. It has always started right back up, but obviously a pain.

I've had it at the dealer three times. They've changed out the EGR valve, a trans mode sensor and a throttle sensor (I think I have those right). This has still not fixed the problem. The dealer suggested running two tanks of "good" gas...still no fix. Prior to this problem occuring the Automatic Transmission Temperature light came on when I was towing my camper. We pulled over, let the vehicle sit a bit, the light went off and hasn't come back on since. I've since had the transmission serviced and a transmission cooler installed.

Just before the car dies, there's a bit of a vibration noise and the air conditioner will stop. If I can catch it before it dies, put it in neutral and rev the motor, it won't die. This seems to happen more right after I've started driving it. As long as I'm giving it gas, it won't die.

What do you do when the "experts" (the dealer) can't figure out what's wrong. It's one thing to have to deal with paying for repairs, but when the dealer can't even tell you what's wrong, it very frustrating.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[amigo-2k]

sounds like a classic intake manifold gasket problem.

see the FAQ's.

[Busibanker]

Originally Posted by amigo-2k

sounds like a classic intake manifold gasket problem.

see the FAQ's.

Is this an expensive repair...any ballpark estimates???

Thanks for the reply

[mlingk]

I did my own repair.. not too difficult. I believe I paid the dealer $75 for the gasket at the time. The FAQ has info on how to do it. Probably around $200 in labor for a shop to do it, although, anyone who has done it once should be able to do it in around an hour or so..

[Busibanker]

Thanks so much. I'll certainly make this suggestion to the dealer.

[mlingk]

I wouldn't be making suggestions on how fast the dealer should be doing their work They have standard rates for these things anyway so it won't matter. Of course, I had a FireStone once tell me I needed a new serpentine belt and would cost $160 or so because they had to move the alt or AC or some shit.. I said no. Went home it it took me only 10 minutes, and that was the first time I had done it on the truck.

[Busibanker]

I'm holding out hope that I won't be out any more money. I took the vehicle to the dealer with a problem. $800 later it's still not fixed. My stance is going to be fix the problem, or refund my money. Too bad, so sad if you've done work...replaced parts, etc. I'm taking Troopy in on Monday. It's amazing that something like a car repair can take up so much of your life.

Thanks for the response.

[rodeo02]

The intake manifold gasket replacement will be a freebe fix for you for 10yrs/120K miles if you are the original owner. This is a VERY common issue for the 1998+ 3.2/3.5 engines. If your dealer is not familiar with this, try another dealer!!
G/luck
Joel