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jab81
Novice
Jan 28, 2010, 11:33 AM
Post #1 of 8
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2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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Maybe you can give me some insight please? Traveling home from work yesterday at about 70mph on the interstate my car all of the sudden starts to surge and jerk violently from I guess the engine, the check engine light came on immediately as I slowed to about 40 to limp to the next off ramp which was about 4-5 miles away. The surging was pretty constant and if I tried to accelerate it would buck and surge worse. Made it to the exit ramp and the engine shut off as I coasted to a safe place. Tried to restart the engine but no go. Popped the hood to look for fluids , overheating or ??? I saw nothing except a mouse nest on the valve cover and evidence of them chewing the plug boot...they have made nests here before since the car sets outside. Have no clue what happened..engine has 172000 on it. On the way to the garage. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 28, 2010, 11:44 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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Dang critters! They can and will chew wires, make nests out of hood insulation and more. This just has to be visually looked at for damaged wires and splice in replacements as needed. No telling the extent, may have just bared a wire that just started touching the wrong things,
T
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 28, 2010, 11:46 AM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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Get the codes pulled........I'm guessing P0340
Let us know what you find out........
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jab81
Novice
Feb 1, 2010, 1:46 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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Was told the timing belt broke...now what????? 2.4L DOHC
(This post was edited by jab81 on Feb 1, 2010, 1:48 PM)
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 1, 2010, 8:07 PM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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Well, you're gonna have to put a belt on it & see if there is any damage.
This one is free wheeling meaning the valves won't contact the pistons but there is a possibility of valve to valve contact. Only way to tell is line up everything & put a new belt on it.......
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nickwarner
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Feb 2, 2010, 12:50 AM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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Since you tend to leave it stored outdoors, it would be worthwhile to pop the hood prior to driving it to look for evidence of mice. Sounds like this isn't the first time. You would want to check your fluids anyhow for a car that has been sitting, and to uncover mouse damage before you hit the road can save a tow bill. Give Tom the money for a tow bill to borrow his cat and let it prowl around your car when its stored. Kitty will take care of business.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 2, 2010, 3:45 AM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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This engine is a non-interference engine although the valves can contact each other if the cams ares rotated independently but the pistons are clear.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 2, 2010, 9:10 AM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
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Nick - so true about most cats - no mice in sight. My Kitty is so totally a lifelong indoor only cat that she would know what the heck to do with a critter but run
A good "barn" cat if the setting allows is the best for this problem. Grew up with them as we had tons of assorted animals and their feeds which was a nightmare without a cat. Those mean barn cats are not the best pets though. They can be trained to keep unwanted house guests + solicitors away too!
 T
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