2003 stratus rough idle

[Red Rocket]

My girlfriend has the 03 stratus, which is backed by the 7/70 warranty. The problem is that it runs real rough intermittently, and only at idle, only when it is first started. Goes away immediately if you hit the gas. It did cause a check engine light once, we took it in, they said it was cylinder 6 misfire, did a tsb to correct it, something with a computer reflash. Needless to say, that did not fix the problem, but when I took it to the dealer, it wouldn't do it for me, so they said there was nothing they could do.



engine is a 3. 0 v6, auto trans, stock, 11,000 miles on it.

Anyone have ANY info?



Thanks so much, very frustrating.



Nick

 

[lschultz]

I would think they could put there computer on it and with a little checking they would find something that is not in spec. It might take a little while but somebody that knows what they are doing(experienced)could find it.

 

[parcher]

My bet is on the egr valve. Anything that replaces oxygen in the exhaust is read as a rich condition. The computer cuts fuel making the mixture lean when in this case it is the worst time to cut fuel , a cold engine is very intolerant of a lean mixture.

 

[Red Rocket]

If I can't get this to act up at the dealer, what am I supposed to do about it. I never thought of the egr valve. Is there any way they can see the characteristics of the way that works, my cummins seems to be missing that part!!



Nick

 

[parcher]

On the DRBIII when they go look at the "monitors" screen and then look at "adaptive fuel" the long term adaptive numerators will be in the negative range if the computer is pulling fuel. Any fuel trim more than about 10% is a problem. They also have the ability to set you up with a "co-pilot" a data recording device you can drive around with, you push one button when the car acts up and they can read the data.

 

[Red Rocket]

Thanks for all of the info guys, I really appreciate this. This way I can go in there prepared to argue if he gives me grief about there is nothing they can do about it. Thanks again.



Nick

 

[dseabaugh]

We've been having the same problem with my wifes '97 v-6 cirrus. $544. 00 at the " st dealers" and it still misses at idle. new plugs and wires too. 64,000 miles.



* * *



dseabaugh: I respectfully request that you refrain from using alternate characters to skirt the "stealer" issue ("st dealers"). Posting facts/details - as you have done above - is absolutely no problem. If you have any questions regarding this request, please e-mail me at: rpatton@ix.netcom.com.



Thank you.



Robin

TDR Admin

 

[wcaldwell]

We have a '99 Stratus with the 2500 V6 with 93+K and it runs like new. We run close to 80 miles (70 highway miles at 75 mph) per day on it.



Need to give it a total tune up - and I'm not looking forward to that since you have to remove the fuel injection system to get to the back 3 plugs.



I'd almost rather tune up a 428 Torino (I did say almost) - but not a '90 Taurus V6 - that thing was impossible.