Problem Reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
1998 Dodge Stratus Problems
Engine Misfire Due to Oil in Spark Plug Tubes
Spark plug tube seals fail, causing the tubes to fill with engine oil and the engine to misfire. As a result, the engine may run poorly and fuel economy can suffer.
Oil Leak May Develop at Cam Sensor O-Ring
An engine Oil leak may develop at the cam sensor o-ring seal. Our technicians tell us this is often misdiagnosed as an external head gasket leak.
Engine Does Not Start and PCM Fault Code Stored
When a no start condition is caused by a faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor, related fault codes stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) should not be trusted. Our technicians tell us that under certain conditions a fault code can be stored for the "good" sensor. Care should be taken to properly diagnose this condition.
Revised Windshield Washer Nozzles Available to Prevent Plugging
One or both windshield washer nozzles may plug or clog. There are revised washer nozzles available which are more resistant to plugging.
Check Engine Light Due to Pinched Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Lines
If a Check Engine Light illuminates indicating leak detection pump (LDP) failure, the cause is often pinched or disconnected vacuum lines to the pump. Vacuum lines should be inspected before replacing the leak detection pump. Contamination (carbon or debris) in the pump can cause failure and any hoses should be cleared before a new pump is installed.
Odor from HVAC vents
Some vehicles may develop a musty odor coming from the HVAC system, Dodge has issued a cleaner/disinfectant and a coating for the evaporator designed to inhibit bacterial growth.
The Cruise Control and Speedometer May Fail Due to Speed Sensor Issues
Defective speed sensors on the transmission can cause problems with the cruise control and speedometer operation, as well as erratic shifting. The connectors on the sensors can corrode and/or the connector terminals can spread (poor connection), which will create similar symptoms. Any of these problems can cause Check Engine Light illumination.
Head Gasket May Fail Prematurely
There have been reports of premature head gasket failure; an updated gasket design is available to correct this problem.
Revised EGR valve to correct EGR issues
Check Engine (MIL) light illumination, along with hard starting or a rough engine idle, can be caused by the EGR valve; a revised EGR valve is available.
Broken wires in wiring harness may cause engine problems
If the car will not start, stalls, or hesitates while accelerating, it may be caused by wires in the wiring harness that are broken internally. This is typically found where the wires pass under the distributor.
Automatic Transmission May Fail Prematurely
The automatic transmission used in these vehicles have had a high failure rate. Failures can be due to internal component or electrical component failure.
Low oil prossure light
Low oil pressure light started coming on after highway driving. Reving up engine just a little over idle turned light off. Over about a month, progressively got worse to the point where light would come on within 5 minutes of starting the car and reving engine (except to high RPMs, over 3500) would not turn the light off. Originally thought sending unit must be ok as it appeared to work (coming on and off). Did some research and only thing...
-
Verified
Quality Work -
Guaranteed
Fair Prices -
Happy
Customers