96 Chrysler TNC won't start/stalls

[jbugz]

I'm hoping someone here can give me a little advice/insight into what I should suggest to my mechanic so I don't spend anymore money needlessly.

My car has been having intermittent problems with starting and stalling. It will sometimes stall while I'm driving (only when coasting, never if I have my foot on brake or gas) and will also sometimes not want to start. It's not like a dead battery non-start where there's only ticking. It actually tries and will eventually usually start. It seems to mainly do this when it's warm. Usually starting better when it's cold.

I just got it back from the mechanic who said he didn't see anything on the diagnostic machine but ended up replacing the crank shift sensor and the cam sensor. Low and behold, $340 later, it's still not wanting to start.

Any suggestions before I bring it back to him??

[tempfixit]

Which engine?

How many miles on vehicle?

Has the fuel pressure been tested with a gauge?

Has the coil pack been tested?

Do you have any problems the instrument cluster???

Just for kicks next time it doesn't start hit the top of ddash to see if that helps, these instriment clusters are known for bad solder joints that are not visible by naked eye, Joints may need to be resoldered.

[jbugz]

thanks for the reply

It's a 3.8 with around 222,000 miles on it.

The mechanic did say that the "fuel looked ok". Not sure what he meant by that or if it answers the fuel pressure question.

My mother is taking it back right now (it started with no problem this time, but wouldn't start at all a few hours ago, cold both times) and I told her to ask him about the coil pack and fuel pressure. Will let you know hopefully.

[RIP]

Originally Posted by jbugz

I just got it back from the mechanic who said he didn't see anything on the diagnostic machine but ended up replacing the crank shift sensor and the cam sensor. Low and behold, $340 later, it's still not wanting to start.

Does this mean the stalling problem is gone and now it's just a starting issue? Cam/crank sensors are a common fix for stalling. Not what you want to hear but, they can be had for $50 and less and are easily changed with minimal mechanical ability.

For your starting problem it could be as simple as new spark plugs and/or plug wires. Could also be Idle Air Control (IAC) valve related or all of tempfixit's suggestions. Can you hear the fuel pump turn on for a couple seconds when you turn the key to on?

[jbugz]

Originally Posted by RIP

Does this mean the stalling problem is gone and now it's just a starting issue? Cam/crank sensors are a common fix for stalling. Not what you want to hear but, they can be had for $50 and less and are easily changed with minimal mechanical ability.

For your starting problem it could be as simple as new spark plugs and/or plug wires. Could also be Idle Air Control (IAC) valve related or all of tempfixit's suggestions. Can you hear the fuel pump turn on for a couple seconds when you turn the key to on?

After posting this, the mechanic sent out a tow truck to pick up the van since it wouldn't start at all. He said he'd apparently gotten a bad part from the dealer, he replaced it and also replaced wires. Not sure what wires, as he didn't give me a receipt this time. Anyway, I brought it home after it starting just fine and lo and behold, the next morning it didn't want to start again. Took it back again, and again he said the part was bad. Picked it up Friday afternoon and it seemed to be great, but went to go to the store last night and it's STILL doing it. It will start after holding the key down for 3-4 seconds. It just doesn't really seem to want to.

It has not stalled since the first time getting it back, but then again, it didn't stall everytime I drove it to begin with and I haven't driven it hardly at all since taking it in to really be sure about that part.

I just went out to see if I could hear the fuel pump turn on. It cranked just fine 3 times, but I couldn't here anything but the engine.

So frustrated.

[tempfixit]

Do you have a remote starting system or security system on it?? Has the ignition switch been tested.

Do you have spark at the coil or spark plugs when there is a no start issue.

Have someone just turn the key to run position when you have the no atart problem and go back by the gas tank and listen for the fuel pump to run. You should hear it with no problem. Another thing you could do is use a rubber mallet or board and hit the gas tank and see if that helps. A fuel pump that is not working will sometimes let loose and work again with the vibration of the blow to the tank. IF this happens to be the case fuel pump needs to be replaced.

[littlebitofinsanit]

did you check tps mine acts a little stuburn wants to start as soon as does i tap gas and catches problem

[troy1]

Do you have power sliding doors?