PT Cruser, can't figure out what's wrong.

Asked by Brady_ Nov 02, 2018 at 08:22 PM about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

So I have a 2002 PT Cruiser that we got for cheap that wouldn't start, we
fixed it and it ran fine but would ramp up and down, someone said it was the
computer learning the timings etc but after that it broke down again.

- Has a new battery alternators is good.
- Just got a new starter.
- The ignition is fine got a new one too.
- All the grounds and relays are okay.

It won't crank to start?  We're lost on what it can be.

My sister said It was just running before she went to start it again.

4 Answers

43,910

Scan for codes and see what all is going on. Idle speed going up and down can happen while computer "relearns" idle speeds, but this sounds like fuel starvation which might not show up on a code reader. So listen for fuel pump to prime, check fuel filter or just test for fuel pressure at the fuel. If it won't crank now, try to jump start it. If this engine could talk, it would tell you why it was sold cheap.

@Hornet_2497 I've let it run for a long time. Unlikely to be just the computer re-learning as it still hasn't resolved. The car will start now just has issues starting, once it's running though it's just fine.

43,910

If there are no codes, I would start looking for fuel problem or maybe needs a tune up. If an engine can not produce a stable idle speed, the computer helps it stay running by bumping the idle speed up and down. Good Luck

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