Rough idling, backfiring, hesistation

[DJR]

I've had nothing but problems with my PT. It's got just over 22,000 km. but I have a folder full of work orders. My main computer has been changed, they've changed #3 spark plug three times, they've changed the wires to heavier ones, I've had an oil leak, a power steering leak, etc. (one time I brought it in... 3 different fluids were leaking).

My problem right now is... it's backfiring and I'm experiencing rough idling, and at times when I'm stopped at red lights, it feels like it's going to stall. I brought it to the service department twice over the last couple of weeks but they said that nothing's wrong... because when they run diagnostics nothing shows up. It's not happening all the time (yet) so when they took it for a test drive they said they didn't find anything.

Has anybody else experienced this problem?

Besides all the problems I've had with my car, the service manager at the dealership is really rude to me. In the past, whenever I've brought my car in and the computer said that everything was fine, a couple of days later I'd come limping in running on 3 cylinders. And, they've never admitted that I was right about it running badly! They never fix anything until the engine light is on and my car is barely running.

P.S. Maybe I should have posted this under Turbo Performance, if so... sorry.

[Mean Green]

I'd take it to a different dealer. Sometimes makes all of the difference.

[ATLPTGT]

quote:Originally posted by Mean Green

I'd take it to a different dealer. Sometimes makes all of the difference.

I second that! Sometimes it just takes a new set of eyes to figure it out.

Keep in mind that if you bought it new and have been in for the same problem 3 or 4 times and they are documented you can always start arbitration for lemon status.

[quicksilverdon]

I lay money it is plugs/wires. Wonder if they gapped the plugs right? There's a TSB that says 0.040 for turbo.
Your dealer sounds poor.

[purple04]

I agree with the others. The dealer is failing on after-sale service. If at all possible, take it to another dealer. At that point, write letters to the dealer and Chrysler documenting the problems you've had with the car and the dealer.

[Dragula]

I had the same rough idle/misfire problems. I re-gapped my plugs to .042 (is there really a TSB that says .040?), and installed a set of MSD 8.5mm superconductor wires. That seems to have solved the problem. I don't think it's ever run so well, but it may have run this well new. I do think the stock wires seem to be of poor quality.

Unfortunately you've already had your wires replaced/upgraded, so I wouldn't suspect that is the problem. Perhaps the shorter plug gap might help.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by Dragula

I had the same rough idle/misfire problems. I re-gapped my plugs to .042 (is there really a TSB that says .040?),

Okay, okay. I was going from memory.....

[Dragula]

I wasn't trying to bust your chops. I honestly was curious about the TSB. I didn't know there was one, and I have no idea what the new recommended spark plug gap is supposed to be. I'm going to have to use the search function and find out!

EDIT: I searched and although there are some people saying that there is a TSB that calls out for .040 for a PT Turbo, it could use confirmation from a DCX tech (or someone with an AllData subscription).

[SteelBlueGT]

That is why I love my NGK Iridium plugs they fire at the original factory gap and still smooth like silk after about 5000 miles. Not really expensive at $40 per set if they last and dont give me trouble for 40,000 miles![8)]

[DJR]

Thanks for the replies! I can’t believe that all my problems may be just the plugs and wires. I thought it was something bigger, like a vacuum leak in the turbo, or something like that.

The service manager wanted to go for a test drive with me. I thought that was a great idea until he said he wanted to check my driving habits. He thought that maybe the 5-speed turbo was too much for me to handle!!! I told him that I’d been driving sticks for years, and the 2.4 litre engine (although it’s quick when it’s running properly) is one of the smallest engines I’ve owned so... I won’t be going back to that service department.