Top 20 1998 Dodge Stratus Questions & Answers

Yes.. if it's backwards fuel can't flow

would not think so Indicates an electronic parts failure from overheating a component Possible a fault code reading will indicate the faulty sensor Items affect are crank/cam position sensor , ignition control module , coil, ECM, Immobilizer

With no engine light, there is not much of a problem. The engine check lights are generally very sensitive. I would try a tank of premium and see if that straightens it out.

make sure with a digital volt meter there is at least .05 volt on that lead wire to knock sensor.Then make sure the knock sensor is grounded to it's mount.

Sound like a short, bad connection to the tach. Check that wiring before you do anything else. Had this problem on a chevy

dealer only they have the software

https://www.google.com/#q=remove+crankshaft+sensor+98+doddge+stratus+2.4

I cant tell u the exact circuit but it sounds like u have an electrical short in the ignition system wiring harness.

No, it would not be anything to do with the alternator. My guess would be the body control module, or BCM-a minicomputer under the dash that controls a lot of electrical functions- lights, cabin controls, etc. Not sure if the bcm has anything to do with the air bags, though. I first was thinking that somehow a part of the fuse panel (the part that has fuses for the things you said would not work) was not being sent power from the ignition switch. Those fuses are only sent power to them and their circuits when the ignition is in accessory or run. But that doesn't explain the headlights coming on by themselves...that is why I am now thinking your problem may be the BCM. You might need a pro to sort it out. Also check with the dodge dealer if any reprogramming is necessary when replacing the BCM. It's up under the dash somewhere, maybe behind the glove box. You would need a voltmeter or multi-meter to do any diagnosing. Also a wiring diagram, and a flow chart or troubleshooting steps...gets pretty complicated...it can be diagnosed to kind of see if the bcm is the problem, but that is often left to a shop or the dealer. Your car has some strange electrical problems. Did that have anything to do with the previous owner selling it?

You in most cases never see any leak, the gas evaporates before it hit the ground, so put the car on a car lift and look for the stains that gasoline leaves when it runs down from a leak.

If it starts right back up. Look at ground points. Could be a bad wire. Continuity checks are needed for the wires. If it starts after it cools down, look at the ignition module, crank sensor, or coil.

This often indicates that your brakes are worn and in need of replacement. Most disk brake systems have a squealer that makes noise to remind you to have your brakes inspected when they near end-of-life.

The bolts on top get stuck in the mount. Prying back and forth usually gets them to come out. Some times a long pry bar is need. Some times there are 3 nuts on top. If they are inline with the strut, There are 2 , if they are off set , there are 3. Been a while since I've done an older Dodge.

Check crank shaft sensor.

It is not impossible for new batteries to be at fault , check with high discharge tester, if OK there is a short circuit or something using up power such as stop lights on. to check remove the + terminal on the battery insert a amp meter current draw should be almost zero , small current draw will be from clock ECT.

Dont change things til u no cause. Fuel pump probly bad..car is old. Put key to on position and off three times..then try starting. If it gos then pump is stil good and thers a pressure leak in rail. But again its du as a maintenanc item

Vacuum controls this circuit and leaks will cause blend air door to default to defrost. Check for bad check valve or hose leaks under hood first as these are the easy ones to get at and under hood heat causes deterioration.

u gotta need a speacial tools ball joint remover its free to rent at autozone.

Could be the crank sensor... Possibility that the fuel pump is going out or a dirty fuel filter. There are a large range of things that could be the problem.

there must be a contact with the hot from the brake light actuator/switch and the radios power supply? or its shorting out the main bus resetting radio look for damaged contacting wires must b somewhere where brake wire & radio wires are in common.