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Pete Candela is a AAA ASE-certified auto expert with over 30 years experience
Pete, like many other Chrysler Sebring owners, my Sebring may stall when I'm driving, it idles badly, and the light comes on intermittently. I've taken it to four shops in the last six months, and I've spent almost $2,000 trying to fix this. I've had the O2, crankshaft and now the throttle sensors replaced, the head gasket replaced, and who knows what else. And it drives worse than ever. Now it stalls when idling. Do you have any ideas? Thanks.
–Susan B.
Susan, stalling can be caused by dozens of different scenarios, and in some cases a technician will overlook the obvious and/or the basics in attempting to diagnose the problem. I would start with the basic engine and then look at maintenance items that can cause a rough idle and/or stalling. For instance, I would make sure that we have a sound foundation to start with. Have your technician do a compression check. Depending upon your mileage level, the internal workings may be too worn to give optimum performance. A worn valve or worn piston rings could cause a drop in compression, thus causing the rough idle. Has the vehicle been maintained correctly? Dirty or clogged fuel injectors and a gummed up throttle body can cause both rough idle and stalling. With today's advanced technology, it is too easy to assume the problem is computer related when, in fact, it could come down to some basic engine fundamentals.
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