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'97 Chrysler Sebring hesitates/jerks while driving


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jamesislander
New User

Jan 24, 2009, 1:47 PM

Post #1 of 5 (5159 views)
'97 Chrysler Sebring hesitates/jerks while driving Sign In

Here is my problem--
1997 Sebring jx convertible
2.4L engine
83,xxx miles

Car started hesitating while driving occasionally, engine light on code read @ Autozone to replace front bank O2 sensor (completed)--still hesitating actually more often. Engine light off, computer clear-no codes now! Car starts fine, hesitates and jerks randomly sometimes interstate driving, sometimes reverse, sometimes 30-45mph.
We drove this car off the lot new, and other than having the head gasket replaced we have had no issues except with the rag-top.
There is a strange thing that just started recently...the odometer goes blank-completely blacks out but only for a short time (minutes) then comes back on as normal. This has only happened maybe 4 times but it was after the hesitation issue started.

Husband changed plugs--no help
checked air filter-blew it out
changed fuel filter--no help
Checked fuel valve--it's fine
checked PCV--it's ok
read injectors OHM fine--no help
plug wires ok
SO, I'm hoping one of you that so kindly gives up your time to help the rest of out can steer us in the right direction or tell what to check next??? My husband has some car experience from his old hotrod days but I think we are tapped out of ideas! I did look thru your old posts hoping AngelicAngelic !! But no luck-
thanks for your time!!


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 24, 2009, 2:05 PM

Post #2 of 5 (5157 views)
Re: '97 Chrysler Sebring hesitates/jerks while driving Sign In

First off, just because AutoZone got an O2 sensor code, it doesn't necessarily mean that the O2 is bad. The code is telling you that there is a problem in that particular circuit. Could be that it was reading lean, rich, heater problem, ect. Our local AutoZone sells a lot of parts, then customer's bring in the car to get it 'fixed'. We see this A LOT. There are several things that come to mind regarding your issue. Coil packs on the 2.4s are 'fairly' common, but I'd think you'd be getting a PO300, at least. The TPS can also cause a stumble, hesitation, ect. Also, poor injector spray pattern, or plugged injector. Plug wires; Checked with ohmmeter?
The dash; Is it a digital or analog instrument cluster? Pretty sure it is analog. If it is the speedometer that is going out, you may have a VSS problem, which in turn could cause eratic shifting of the transmission, which could be interpreted as a surge, jerk, ect. Again, I'd expect a trouble code. Without the proper testing equipment, it's gonna be expensive 'throwing' parts at it. These newer vehicles require knowledgeable, technical, diagnostics.
Loren
SW Washington


jamesislander
New User

Jan 24, 2009, 3:05 PM

Post #3 of 5 (5155 views)
Re: '97 Chrysler Sebring hesitates/jerks while driving Sign In

How lucky am I to have such a quick response !!!
I drive the car but am worried about it leaving me stranded.
Not really all about the dealer shop..had some issues there and the local garage that did the head gasket job doesn't have the advanced reader-
The original code before replacing the sensor was PO134.....does that help any?
We certainly understand cars are complicated computer machines these days, I just wanted to say husband has a bit of knowledge & capable of fixing some things.
He covered what he considers the basics for a 10+ year old car.
My odometer is digital--is an analog the older type that rolls?? I know stupid question--husband is at work so I can't ask him. I also need to clarify what he told me about reading the ?? with ?? I must have misunderstood what he said.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 24, 2009, 3:49 PM

Post #4 of 5 (5145 views)
Re: '97 Chrysler Sebring hesitates/jerks while driving Sign In

Analog is like a needle pointing at a specific number on the speedometer. Digital will say just the number of mph/km, such as 45 or 55. I'm not finding a P0134 in my definition chart. Codes p0131 to P0141 all deal with O2 codes. But, I can't remember seeing any newer Chrysler products with a digital dash. Could be wrong.
Loren
SW Washington


jamesislander
New User

Jan 24, 2009, 5:36 PM

Post #5 of 5 (5142 views)
Re: '97 Chrysler Sebring hesitates/jerks while driving Sign In

The read out from Autozone with the PO134 reading has the
Definition as HO2S 11 circuit condition (Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Explanation: The powertrain control module uses the oxygen sensor to calculate the air/fuel ratio in the exhaust.
Probable cause:
1) Oxygen sensor defective
2) fuel system running very rich or lean-check other codes first ***there were no other codes***
3) engine misfire condition-repair
4) fuel pressure very high or low fuel pump or pressure regulator

As far as the instrument panel the speedometer & tachometer are analog, the odometer is digital. When the blackouts occur the tach bottoms out and the lights go out on odometer...the speedometer still works. Sorry, hope that clarifies it.
My husband understood that the ohm readings on the injectors could tell you if they were bad thus why he was checking but he doesn't know what the readings should be....they were all 135-
thanks again






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