rough idle in AM, 2001 PT

[gychang]

I have over 90K miles on 2001 PT crusier.

I noticed after cold overnight, for few minutes the engine runs rough. I have taken to a mechanic and had routine tuneup, including new spark plugs but the problems continue.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[yaris]

I was getting something simillar last night, it started well but was idling rough for like 5-10 seconds, but on my 06 N/A manual with only 60k km on it...

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by gychang

I have over 90K miles on 2001 PT crusier.

I noticed after cold overnight, for few minutes the engine runs rough. I have taken to a mechanic and had routine tuneup, including new spark plugs but the problems continue.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

When the plugs were changed were the plug wires changed? What gap did they gap the plugs at? The info on the hood says: .050, a new TSB states that plugs should be gapped at .040.

You mentioned a routine tune up, do you know what all services were preformed? Sorry for the questions, but it will help us determine possible fixes for your problem.

[edsidders]

With a limited amount of information my first guess would be plug wires..A can of SeaFoam in the tank may help too.

[gychang]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

When the plugs were changed were the plug wires changed? What gap did they gap the plugs at? The info on the hood says: .050, a new TSB states that plugs should be gapped at .040.

thanks for all the replies.

Plug wires were not changed.

I was charged $300 for iridium? plugs, and oil change. I assume gap is properly set. I had a problem for several weeks starting prior to changing of the plugs and even after new plugs problems are continuing.

Question 1:
Where can I get a set of spark plug wires for 2001 PT?, is there a reasonable place on internet or should I goto a dealer??

Question 2:
Spark plug wires replacement easy?. I used to work on VW engines but now don't want to get my hands too dirty...

thanks

gychang

[Hooligan]

$300 for 4 plugs and a oil change you got RIPPED big time!!! Champion Platinum plugs are $2.00 each, so that is $8.00. Labor to do it, as it can be done within 1 hour=$60 + oil change, total should not have been over $90.

You should have went to the dealer for everything, it still wouldn't have cost you that much. Go to the dealer and order MOPAR performance wires. When you replace them, check the gap on your plugs. There is a sticky about changing your plugs in the performance section of this Forum.

[gychang]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

$300 for 4 plugs and a oil change you got RIPPED big time!!! Champion Platinum plugs are $2.00 each, so that is $8.00. Labor to do it, as it can be done within 1 hour=$60 + oil change, total should not have been over $90.

You should have went to the dealer for everything, it still wouldn't have cost you that much. Go to the dealer and order MOPAR performance wires. When you replace them, check the gap on your plugs. There is a sticky about changing your plugs in the performance section of this Forum.

Oh boy, sounds bad.

I will get the MOPAR performance wires. I will likely have someone else replace the wires and check the gap, how much is the reasonable cost for the labor?

gychang

[quicksilverdon]

Many of us have done it in under an hour -- and we're not mechanics.
Ask how much up front. It is not hard to do.

[countrywi]

I just ordered MSD sparkplug wires from SUMMIT Racing(Nice big 8mm ones).
I would get a manual and do it yourself. You would be surprised how easy this job is.

[gychang]

Originally Posted by countrywi

I just ordered MSD sparkplug wires from SUMMIT Racing(Nice big 8mm ones).

thanks, I ordered the same ones.

Sounds like I have to do this myself. I have worked on VW engines 30yrs ago. I gather I will need SAE size tools, right?

Do I need anything more than regular sockets, and ones for spark plugs?, I have adjustable wrench but not SAE fixed set. I will be working on my PT for the 1st time. (I don't change oil even, but I will likely do this plug wire change and check the spark plug gap myself).

Do I need any other tools (I will get a set of plug gap measure tool)?, have the usual garage tools including vise grip, hammer, etc.

thanks in advance. I plan to follow pictorial guide on this forum.
gychang