2000 Dodge Stratus – Won’t Start Sometime – Dies While Driving Sometimes

Reader Question Good afternoon!
I would appreciate your help very much. My car has been having a problem starting and running. It is a 2000 Dodge Stratus. The engine will turn over but it will not start. The battery and alternator have been checked and they are fine. The car will run fine for a few days and then it just won’t start. It seems to be more of a problem when it has warmed up. It will usually start up after sitting all night, but it may take several tries. We took it to a mechanic and he said the fuel pump was bad. It was replaced as well as the fuel filter.

It was fine for two days after bringing it home, but the problem occurred again. Also, now is it dying when I come to a stop. It does not give any warning that it is going to die, and just shuts off. The mechanic seems to be at a loss. Any ideas?

Kacee

Hi there Kacee

You really need to get another mechanic, I would have to do some tests to really say what is going on….or not going on.

My first thought was a bad fuel pump, but you already replaced it. Just for grins though, you might want to get someone to hit the bottom of your gas tank with their fist AS you crank the engine over. This seems to jump start weak fuel pumps. If it starts you probably need another fuel pump.

You need some way of testing for spark….or lack of spark in your case. I don’t know of a way you can easily do that without some equipment. So, you probably should start looking for another mechanic….guessing at stuff to replace will cost more than a proper diagnosis will.

Blessings,
Austin C. Davis