Stalling, rough idle, running "hard", hesitation

[Windancer]

Originally Posted by slartyblarfast

The TSB number is 18-024-04.

Thanks, this is good to know. Will keep this info handy.

Regards
Terry

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by mjb457

No such bullitin according to dealer?? Is # correct??

Oh yes there is .........

SUBJECT:

Flash: Idle fluctuation and or MIL Illumination Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301,

P0302, P0303 or P0304

OVERVIEW:

This bulletin involves replacing the affected spark plug, ignition wire and/or reprogramming
the Powertrain Control Module with new software.

MODELS:

2004 (JR) Sebring Convertible/Sebring Sedan/Stratus Sedan

2004 (KJ) Liberty/Cherokee

2004 (PL) Neon

2004 - 2005 (PT) PT Cruiser

2004 - 2005 (RG) Chrysler Voyager

2004 - 2005 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 2.0L and 2.4L engine (sales

code ECB, ECC, ECH, ED1, ED2, EDV, EDZ or EDT ) Refer to table below for build dates.


NUMBER: 18-024-04

GROUP: Vehicle Performance

DATE: June 1, 2004

Vehicle Build Date (MDH)

2004 JR Built between July 7, 2003

and May 8, 2004

2004 KJ Built on or before May 11, 2004

2004 PL Built on or before June 2, 2004

2004 - 2005 PT Built on or before May 24, 2004

2004 - 2005 RS/RG Built on or before May 10, 2004

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

MIL Illumination

The vehicle operator may experience a MIL illumination. Further diagnosis may determine

that the MIL was caused by one or more of the following DTC's:

· P0300-MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE

· P0301-CYLINDER #1 MISFIRE

· P0302-CYLINDER #2 MISFIRE

· P0303-CYLINDER #3 MISFIRE

· P0304-CYLINDER #4 MISFIRE

Idle fluctuation

The vehicle operator may experience a Idle fluctuation while vehicle is in gear or park.

DIAGNOSIS:

Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII®) with TechCONNECT and the appropriate Diagnostic

Procedures, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs are present,

other than those listed above, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary

before proceeding further with this bulletin. If the symptom is MIL illumination and the

condition has been diagnosed to be a spark plug, proceed to Repair Procedure 1. If the

symptom/condition is idle fluctuation procede to Repair Procedure 2.

[mjb457]

Ok I read and respond to all these posting which i feel apply to my Pt an 03 Touring automatic non Turbo..anyway i have experienced this & my mechanic dealer..charged me $148.00 to dynose & replace the spark plugs,( had to beg to use platinum which I bought at Pep Boys with anit-seize & the wire stuff. He didnt want to use either but did(he stated Chrysler doesnt recommend any of this! He even noted on my repair order he was installing the platinums 7570 & the resistor standard are recommended. He stated on my repair order the 2nd time he was referencing TSB # 18-024-04 and resistor plugs are to be used and customer wanted the platinums againt my wishes!he updated the PCM to #05033071AK ..I did get new wires free (Mopar) he said they were under warrnty from the previous repair.Anyway to perform this update & dyanose it they charged another $200.00!!! I hope it runs ok now! I am They keep saying that the platinums are not listed anywhere from Chrysler! I even called Chrysler & complained & they stated its maitence & on me!!I am getting real close to trade it on an Acura or Honda!! Chrsyler customer service actually was not good!! What should I do??Very frustrating because I see this issue listed alot on here so it must be a problem with alot of owners ,,even more so because not all even visit this site!!!I need proof to shove in front of them!!!

[CREWZIN]

How about a write-up from Champion:

The Champion Double Platinum™ spark plug not only embodies all the technology available for spark plugs used by manufacturers such as GM, Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Toyota, but it's actually the OEM design for these engines. Tapered cone, platinum center electrodes and platinum tip ground electrodes provide the ultimate in long-life design. Our patented ULTRASEAL™ and TinTac® coatings assure ease of spark plug removal, even after 100,000 miles. Our zirconia enhanced insulator will live under the most demanding ignition requirements in the industry. In all, this spark plug is the original equipment replacement for your engine. In addition, the Champion Double Platinum™ design carries a five-years/unlimited mileage performance guarantee (manufacturer's warranty).

Fits all domestic PT Cruisers, not recommended for Turbo model cruisers, runs to hot.
-----------------------------------------------------
...and a quote why the Double Platinums were perfected for the Chrysler engine.....

"Champion has an OEM approved dual platinum plug for this application.
Why? Because this motor utilizes reverse firing polarity in alternative
plugs. Thus with conventional platinum plugs two of the plugs will wear out
much faster than the other pair. The dual platinum plugs should be good for
at least 60,000 miles, perhaps 80,000 miles. Standard NGK or Champion's are
good for about 30,000 miles as is a set of single tipped platinum."

[mjb457]

I truely believe you! I just need proof to put under their nose!! Please also advise was I ripped off on the updating to the PCM? $200? I really want it to run right but cant take anymore BS Thanks MJB

[CREWZIN]

I'm not sure how the dealers charge on that. Diagnosis and the upgrade all come under labor charges and the last time I even saw the hourly charges it was sticker shock to me, something like $90 an hour. So even though they owed you the wires, the time to replace, the diagnosis and the computer upgrade probably ran a couple hours for them according to their charts.

[mjb457]

ok The labor charge these days $$$$,Im going to start doing some things myself if I keep it, or search out a different mechanic.I really believe the dealer wrote it up that way because Chrysler doesnt have a recomendation on the platinums( champion I see does) the dont want to pay to replace if anything happens again..(they are protecting their assets,),,,. thats where Im kind of stuck... I am hoping this fixes it & it runs ok.Believe me Ive owned alot of cars & this one has me frustrated now. I really appreciate your help Crewzin.I would like to be able to somehow contact you personally if i need any more assistance,MJB

[CREWZIN]

It's nice that you think so highly of my advise, but there's much more knowledgeable people on this forum that I would ever hope to be. It's just that i'm checking this particular forum everyday, several times a day since I became a moderator ....trying to keep the SPAM way. You'd be much better off posting your problems here so someone with experience on a particular problem might see it and give you help.

[JoeHundredAire]

Just thought I would throw this out here. I used to be on another PT forum in the bast because I was having the same problem on my '04.

They told me to do 2 things, Get rid of the MOPAR wires as they are faulty & start breaking down after about 30K & opt for a quality after market wire set. The second thing they told me to do is to remove the intake hose and wipe inside the throttle body due to buildup around the butterfly since running injector cleaner doesn't affect that area(which I should have thought of anyhow).

I did this, and the problem is gone, the Cruz runs great & I clean the throttle body about every other month now with a rag & carb cleaner. It lets the thing breathe alot better & I get a noticable response at the pedal afterwards.

Hope this helps someone else like it did for me!

[mjb457]

Ok will do,,My Pt is actually running good again,,way better shift points,,& throttle responce,(I quess the software did something) fingers crossed.I will also clean around the trottle body(thanks) Im kind of stuck with the Mopar wires for a bit since they were warranty,,I would hate to throw them away now(more $$) Any other tips other than lottery tickets Im all ears!