Car sputtered and stopped running then wouldn't start. Tried again three hours later; it started and ran fine (seemingly).
We drove approximately 80 miles with no problems. When I started the car back up it sputtered and stopped running. I attempted to start the car again. It turned over but would not start. Three hours later I tried again and it started right up. I watched as it drove off (someone else drove back) and a little white smoke came from the exhaust but it stopped and ran normally for the 80 mile trip home. The driver said there were no issues with the car on the trip.
I had disconnected the positive battery terminal to reset the computer because I thought it might help. This may be the reason the car restarted, but it also seems to have erased the codes from the computer. Previously, the check engine light came on and the computer reported that one oxygen sensor was bad. I didn't replace it because I believed that was only for emissions. I don't believe this is the problem but I'm ordering them today.
Please help!
The first thing you'll want to check is the vacuum hose going to your MAP sensor. (Manifold Absolute Pressure) If the hose is cracked, dry-rotted, or disconnected, it will not only cause a vacuum leak, but the MAP sensor will actually think the car is driving up a hill or is being loaded somehow, because it isn't picking up a correct vacuum signal from the engine. If that's the case, the sensor is telling the computer to enrichen the fuel mixture all the time. This is a VERY good cause for no-starts and rough driveability.
Another thing you may want to look into is your coolant temperature sensor. As they wear, the thermistor inside is no longer calibrated correctly, often thinking it's a different temperature extreme from what it actually is. They're easy to replace, and it should be located right by your thermostat housing. It'll have 2 wires going to it. They're around $15-$20 usually, and it's good practice to change it periodically. (Change it while the engine is cold, of course.)
I certainly hope this helps you to get your car running normally again! :) Having an intermittent problem like that is frustrating, to say the least!
Take Care,
Jason
Testimonial: "I received an answer lightening fast and I believe it helped give us the confidence to take our vehicle on the long distance trip we were concerned about. It's hard to tell what solution fixed my Intrepid since I did all of them. I even replaced all four O2 sensors and the spark plugs to reduce the risk of auto problems on my long distance trip. "
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Which engine does your 2000 Dodge Intrepid have? I think I might have an answer. :)
2.7l v6
I have a 2.7 liter V6
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