Recent Feedback
I have a 1994 Dodge Intrepid with 84,000 miles. Car was sitting for 2 years then I started driving it again. Runs great, But 1,000 of driving I could notice a very slight jerking in the drivetrain as I would drive it but not always. Today I was going up a hill and the car bucked and back fired and had great loss of power. I pulled over and it died. Trying restart the car and it acts as if the timing has jumped (if this is possible) it cranks rough and miss fires. I have used Ron on this site and he has always made good on my problems. Can you help me please?Steven W Stull
Country: United StatesMake: DodgeModel: IntrepidYear: 1994Engine: V6 3.5 Already Tried: Just starting and used starting fluid and it back fires. Almost wants to start and it cranks rough
Welcome to Just Answer Dodge my name isXXXXX don't know your automotive experience level, so I may have to ask questions of you before I can help.The symptoms you are describing make it sound like your timing belt has skipped or broken. If you remove the covers from the front of the engine you will be able to check the timing marks and see if they are still lined up or not.
This is not my engine. I am sorry for stating the wrong engine size, It is a 3.3 liter V6. I have car knowledge to a extent and resore muscle cars to show levels. I know with timing belts there needs to be a metal cover that houses the belt. This engine looks more to be a water pump on the front. It does not look to have overhead twin cams.
Does this make sense?
Ok, so that would be the 3.3 engine then, and it has a chain and no belt. Have you checked for any codes yet by cycling the key 3 times and counting the flashes of the check engine light?
No I have not, How do I do this?
Turn the key ON OFF ON OFF ON...........leaving it on. The check engine light will now flash 2 digit fault code numbers. For example it will start with one flash, pause, 2 flashes and this is a code 12. and it will end with 5 flashes, pause, and 5 more flashes for a code 55.We need to see if there are any codes in between the 12 and 55.
OK, I did as requested, I know what a check engine lihjt is and normally they are lite up when starting a car. The only lights lighting up is the Battery, Oil, and the low gas pump light. Al goes dark on the third "on" key turn.
Are you still there. Could it be bad gas as I bought $20.00 today on a empty tank drove till it shows 1/8 tank now and that is when the problems started. But as I mentioned, I could feel once in awhile a rapid jerking in the drivetrain recently when driving the car
Sorry for the delay. The fact that the check engine light is not illuminating is a little troubling.If you are low on fuel, then there is a chance that your gauge is not reading correctly and are actually out of fuel or have a failed fuel pump.Try adding some more fuel and checking the fuel rail pressure to see if you have about 45 psi when cranking.I hope this information is helpful and let me know if you need further assistance with this.
I will add 5 gallons of gas as I have it here now. Is there anyway someone could have by passed the check engine light and made it go out because they were tired of seeing it? I would check that by pass if I knew where to look. If this was a warning eary on and the person never did anything about it and had the light turned off and now the problem has resulted into what I am dealing with now. Does this question make sense?
I will put gas in now. But the engine still has been turning over rough and back firing.
Well, someone may have removed the bulb, the bulb may be burnt out or it could even indicate a bad computer since the computer is what turns the light on.
Added gas, Same response. No start and coughs and will not start. I remove (3) plugs on the left bank and they were dry, I smell no gas fumes or any unburt fuel. Is the light easy to get to?
Believe me, I have always paid when you people have resolved the issues and this is the first time I have not corrected a problem
What is the fuel pressure?
I have no way of checking that at my house. Would a bad pump make the car buck and and turn over rough? Where is the pump on this car?
The pump is in the fuel tank, and yes, it could.
I have replaced several pumps in my Astro vans. Is it that big of a pain in the ass? How much are these pumps. $100.00 like the Astro vans pumps? Is the check engine light accessable to look into before doing the pump route?
You'll need to remove the instrument cluster to check the bulb so it's a bit of a job. The fuel pump can be accessed through a panel in the forward part of the trunk, so there is no need to drop the tank(someone was thinking!)Parts costs vary across the country, so your best to get a local quote on the cost since they are likely different in my area.I hope this information is helpful and let me know if you need further assistance with this.
Took the dash out, Bulb was burned out on check engine light. Replaced it. The unit blinked 5 times then pause then 5 times. Please have good news
Ok, that just means there are no codes, so in theory that should rule out any sensor issues. I would stick with the basics right now, and check the fuel system.I hope this information is helpful and let me know if you need further assistance with this.
You have been very kind but the problem still remains as when I contacted you. I have pulled the gas sending system. I will buy a new one at the stupid price of $135.00.
What the hell happened to the $35.00 pumps on the side of the block and (2) bolts to remove them? If I am guessing wrong, I am screwed out of the money for the pump and still the car does not run. If indeed it starts and life is good. I will pay you for your valueable time.
Thank You in Advance
Steven W Stull
I would suggest checking the fuel pressure with a gauge you can likely borrow or rent, before I would just replace a part on a guess.Either way, hope it works for you.I hope this information is helpful and let me know if you need further assistance with this.
Hello: I am back again and I changed out the fuel pump in the tank and nothing has changed. This car will still not start and it is very choppy and rough turning over with the starter. As I mentioned very eary, It acts like a car that jumped time.
Relist: Incomplete answer. Please read the problem and see what has been replaced and checked. The car still will not start and is choppy with the starter and now has new fuel pump and nothing has changed. Check engine light says (55)
I will add this and recap what happened. Car was giving intermitten joiting affects while driving in the last 1,000 miles but not always. Yesterday while driving after a easy 90 mile trip, The car was losing power on a small grade and bucking. The car then died. When trying to restart and even after everything I have done and checked. The car when using the starter rolls over very rough and not smooth like it is suppose to. I have had cars jump time in the past and that is how I would describe it. But this car has no over head cams or timing belt. Car only has 85,000 miles on it and old people drove it till I got it 1,200 miles ago.
Hope this helps
Is no one out there that can help with this problem. I have used this site several times and "Ron" has always got it right and I gladly paid. I just checked the spark and for sure is comming to the spark plugs as I got the shit shocked out of me. Can someone help here?
Relist: Incomplete answer.
Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can someone help me PLEASE
Hi, I’m a moderator for this topic. Your Professional has opted out and I wonder whether you’re still waiting for an answer. If you are, please let me know and I will do my best to find another Professional to assist you right away. If not, feel free to let me know and I will cancel this question for you. Thank you!
Hello:
As stated and the next day I had another expert on here I paid for his advice as I felt he may be correct. I replaced the parts as well he suggested. The car still will not start. I am out the $29.00 plus $310.00 in parts. I had it towed off to a garage.