1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Specific repair issues for Dodge cars & FWD vans
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

I got this 98 Sebring Convertible with a 2.5L vin H engine.

The issue is that first startup in the morning including the first few miles, the engine runs bad. Very bad. Very very bad. Shuts off, won't idle, no power. After about 5-7 minutes it straightens out and runs great the rest of the day. No noise, no missing or hesitation, and no CEL. Next morning - it's same thing all over again till it warms up. Ok. I am suspicious of a distributor failure and am wondering how can I prove it without replacing the expensive thing? Which wire(s) do I need to scope or check voltage on? Service info gives little on this matter. A new distributor from oem is 800 bucks. I know they have had massive issues with these distributors but before I go replacing it I want to have evidence it is at fault. I ain't got 800 bucks for an experiment rite now. I realize I haven't given you guys the info we typically look for in trying to help someone. Fuel pressure is within specs, compression is 165-175. Pending codes of PO300, PO301, PO304, PO306. No other DTCs. MAP is 1.14v at idle, ECT is 70 at startup and 198 at operating temp. Intake at startup is same as ECT. TPS at idle is .84v. Got 92,000 miles on the clock.

Owner has had this one at more than one shop and now it's here. I want to fix it for him.
User avatar
brianp87
3K Time Lord Contributor
3K Time Lord Contributor
Posts: 3133
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:11 am
Location: Arizona
Contact:

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by brianp87 »

Crank sensor or distributor are most common issues. Is the spark erratic when it runs bad?
jbadenoch
400 Club: Mega-Star Contributor
400 Club: Mega-Star Contributor
Posts: 481
Joined: Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:48 am
Location: greenville sc

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by jbadenoch »

I don't have the info for which wire to test, however, the last few of these here with the exact same symptoms was bad distributor. Maybe try a parts supplier (not oem) for returnable dist.
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

brianp87 wrote:Crank sensor or distributor are most common issues. Is the spark erratic when it runs bad?
I suppose you mean the spark at the plugs. I have not checked that mostly because I have no way of monitoring the spark on, say raster form on a screen while I am test driving it. I have SUN machine but is too big and bulky to put in the passenger seat beside me. Possibly I could open the top!!!!!!!!!!!!!
User avatar
brianp87
3K Time Lord Contributor
3K Time Lord Contributor
Posts: 3133
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:11 am
Location: Arizona
Contact:

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by brianp87 »

The local auto shop still has our old sun machine your right theya re to large to fit. Cut out the top
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

brianp87 wrote:Cut out the top
To the dismay of the customer

lol
User avatar
brianp87
3K Time Lord Contributor
3K Time Lord Contributor
Posts: 3133
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:11 am
Location: Arizona
Contact:

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by brianp87 »

but you fixed the car only at the expense of the roof
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

brianp87 wrote:but you fixed the car only at the expense of the roof
If only it was fixed.

I seem to have it narrowed down to either the distributor or the EGR valve though.
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

Ok, this morning on test run I ruled out the EGR valve. I unhooked it and it made no difference on performance. I am focusing on the distributor now and will have to wait till tomorrow morning. In the meantime I hope to figure out which wiring I need to check to prove the distributor is at fault, if indeed it is.
User avatar
steven kiser
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
Posts: 6184
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:58 am
Location: eastern ma.

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by steven kiser »

Is time close to the loop timing for the O2
never argue with a fool, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

steven kiser wrote:Is time close to the loop timing for the O2
At the risk of sounding like a dummy, I am not sure I understand what you mean.
Jeff @ Able Auto
1500 Club Master Plus Contributor
1500 Club Master Plus Contributor
Posts: 1705
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2007 12:19 pm

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Jeff @ Able Auto »

Does it run poorly when it goes from open loop to closed loop? is what I think he meant?
Jeff Fitzgerald - retired
Treasure Coast of Florida
"there will be enough time to sleep when we're dead"
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

If it was something like that, wouldn't it do it every time the engine is started and until the O2 sensor warms up to operating temperature?
User avatar
steven kiser
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
Posts: 6184
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:58 am
Location: eastern ma.

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by steven kiser »

Yes and no. Another thing is the temp sensor. During warmer months the vehicle really doesn't need as much fuel when warm so if the sensor is junk and the pcm thinks it's starting below 0 it will run rich as hell until it moves or times out. As usual i didn't fully read / comprehend the entire post. With a multiple misfire code i would look at the temp through the scanner and if it's normal quickly look at the fuel trim and 02. It's probably the distributor though.
never argue with a fool, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

Well, my fine fellowmen. I found something interesting. This morning I decided to connect fuel pressure gauge when the engine was acting up. And - the fuel line had a little fuel in and alot of air. Now I am wondering where is the air coming from? It has a returnless system on it. The pressure remains at 53 psi but drops off. In 5 minutes it is down to 20 psi.
User avatar
steven kiser
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
5K Holy Smokes Contributor
Posts: 6184
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:58 am
Location: eastern ma.

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by steven kiser »

If i were to guess i would look at where the line connects to the fuel rail or at the injectors.
never argue with a fool, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

Well I was thinking more of the plastic flexible line on the fuel pump module in the tank. I spoke with the customer and she said that it works much better when the fuel tank is above the 3/4 full mark. So......... I am thinking to myself and why didn't I know that before this? Oh well.
User avatar
brianp87
3K Time Lord Contributor
3K Time Lord Contributor
Posts: 3133
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:11 am
Location: Arizona
Contact:

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by brianp87 »

Is there any way to block the return line and then see if pressure still drops.
Tim Martin
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
2.5K Uber Ninja Contributor
Posts: 2642
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:28 pm
Location: PA

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by Tim Martin »

Ahhhh this is a returnless system. No return line partner.
User avatar
brianp87
3K Time Lord Contributor
3K Time Lord Contributor
Posts: 3133
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:11 am
Location: Arizona
Contact:

Re: 1998 Chrysler Sebring Conv - 2.5L VIN H Runs Bad

Post by brianp87 »

dang
Post Reply

Return to “Dodge Cars”