I inherited a 1992 Dodge Dynasty from my Grandma a few years ago. Starting last summer, Dorothy (I named her after my grandma) will start sputtering at times. It usually starts around 40mph and I have to gun it to get her to keep going. Then, other times, she will die completely. I can start her immediately again, but I have to keep my foot on the gas. As soon as I take my foot off the gas, she dies again. This DOESN’T happen in the winter. It only happens when the weather is warmer. I’ve taken her into the shop for the problem. She has new spark plugs and she gets frequent check-ups. I have no idea what’s happening! Help!
Anner007, Dorothy May Be Keeping Some Secrets From You. Let’s See If There Are Any Trouble Codes Stored By Her ECM (Engine Control Module) That Will Help Us. Shall We Begin ?
Being a 1992, you don’t have an OBD 2 data socket, but with the engine off, try turning the ignition key :
from “off” to the “on” position (not start),
then to “off”,
then to “on”,
then to "off,
and then to “on” (the third “on”) and leave it there.
Do this “key dance” within 5 seconds and get ready to count how many times the “Check engine” light blinks. It will send out a code or codes if it’s got any stored. The codes are 2 digit numbers.
blink, pause, blink, blink, pause . . . blink, blink, blink, pause, blink, blink, blink, would be two codes - code 12 and code 33. The codes may repeat after the first time through. You may have to try this over again to catch it. It takes a little practice. You will probably get a code 12 at the beginning and should get a code 55 “End of Message” at the end of the other codes.
See if you can do that and post the codes here and we’ll see if it helps with anything.
Is the “check engine” light on at this time?
CSA
I just tried the code thingy! Unfortunately, all I got was the code 55–end of message. The check engine light isn’t on. It only comes on during the rare occasions that she dies. Thanks!
Anner
Anner, My Guess (And Just A Guess) Is That The Problem Is With the MAP Sensor (Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor).
These do react differently with different temperature and weather conditions. I’m happy that you read the code 55. Now that you know how to check Dorothy for trouble codes, you’ll be ready the next time she acts up. Get safely to the roadside, turn her off if she’s not already and run your check. Write down the results and post them here or check with a mechanic who’s familiar with the older OBD 1 codes (cars now are using OBD2, a little more sophisticated).
It’s partly a guess, but wouldn’t surprise me if it’s the MAP (Pronounced Map) sensor. Chrysler Dodge, and Plymouth cars from that era had a few problems sometimes with condensation or moisture in the tubing for the MAP sensor and therefore the MAP sensor, too.
I’d give you the code(s) for the MAP sensor fault, but I don’t want to influence your code reading. You know how it goes when you read the horoscopes and it sounds just like you ? It’s better to have you come up with it on your own. Besides, it’s fun to diagnose your own car problem and sometimes even outsmart the mechanics.
CSA
Yay! Thanks for the VERY useful info! If I did want to replace the censor, is that a big giant expensive process? Or is it an easy(ish) fix?
Anne
Anner, It’s Not A Big Giant Expensive Process, But It’s Just A Guess. There Are Other Things That Could Cause Dorothy’s Problems, Not Limited To, But Including Other Sensors.
There is an Air Charge Temperature Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor, Crankshaft Position Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor, fuel pump, ECM, etcetera, etcetera.
I think the best idea would be to try and get Dorothy to give you a system fault code when she acts up, using the “key dance” routine or leave her with a trusted mechanic who’s familiar with 1992 Dodge cars and let him / her drive Dorothy until she acts up.
Has Dorothy had her fuel filter replaced to your knowledge?
Maybe some other people will weigh in with ideas, here. There are several professional auto mechanics who follow these questions.
CSA
I’ve waited patiently! It’s humid out…and…shocker!..Dorothy started doing her little thing where she won’t stay running. I read the code this time and i THINK I got it right.
123555. I’m going to try and look it up myself and see where to go. I’m sure that tonight after the humidity goes away she’ll be just fine again!
SO I think that’s a 12 and a 35. She won’t idle.
OBD I Code 12 indicates that the igntion was turned on, but the engine was not running when you did the scan. This is normal, as the “key dance” makes it impossible to have the engine running while getting codes.
Code 35 indicates a problem with the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC).
If the TCC is not disengaging when it should, that can definitely produce driveability problems, but I suspect that there are other problems in addition to TCC problems if the engine won’t even idle properly.
I suggest that you take the car to an independent trans shop for evaluation.
With any luck, the problem (or at least one of the possible problems) can be corrected by replacing a solenoid or by fixing the electrical connection to the TCC.
DO NOT go to AAMCO, Lee Myles, Cottman, or any other transmission chain unless you want to be told that you need a new transmission–whether you really do or not.