ASOG Forums

I have a 1999 Chrysler Sebring LX Coupe with the 2.5L V6 Mitsubishi engine.  A couple of weeks ago, the car would run very rough while idling, and after driving the engine would cut off when coming to a stop.  I was able to move it around by driving with two feet: one on the brake and one keeping the engine RPMs above 1000rpm.  The car didn't have any problems when running above approximately 1000rpm (at least nothing noticeable).

I took it to the dealership and they said it gave out the following codes:

P0113: Intake Air Temp Sensor Max Voltage
P0175: System Too Rich

They also said it gave out P0169 and P0176 which didn't show up in the Haynes Manual, but after some research online it showed something about fuel composition circuit errors.  They also said it had multiple cylinder misfire, but never explicitly said that code P0300 showed up.

The dealership wanted $1300 to change out the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, distributor rotor button, PCV valve, EGR valve, and perform fuel induction service.

Instead of having the dealership do the work, I limped the car home and I first replaced the Intake Air Temp sensor thinking it was the culprit, but it did not fix the problem.  I then did everything above except the EGR valve and fuel induction service.   This also did not fix the issue.  In fact, during idle, the car now spits out a whitish-gray smoke, and I can only get it started if I really crank on it and put the accelerator to the floor.

Any thoughts?

isn't white smoke water in the oil usually? or a blown head gasket?

Shiano, I'm not completely sure, but the exhaust has a fuel smell, which would be consistent with the engine running rich.

yah, i would take a look at your coolant just to be safe. make sure the color and level are consistent. but the egr valve could be the problem..i'd replace the valve and solenoid and see how it runs then. you can temporarily block off teh egr line just to troubleshoot, but doing that will keep the cel light on.

its a cheap alternative for a "temporary" solution (blocking the egr)...so they say fuel induction to make it seem like its a tough job..anyway other that shiano's suggestion, for a rich mixture at idle, the misfires could be the culprit. long shot, but check ur fuel pump, it could be malfunctioning. ur voltage readings could be off.

if it's rich then the mixture is not proper (obviously i know). You have to look at what creates that mixture. Pressure regulator? ECU? O2 Sensor(s)?

Ok. I would replace the egr definitely. when you take off your old one, get the number off of it. there are two different ones that go on that block. take it down to NAPA/Autozone/Oreilly's and have them PULL the part for your vehicle and make sure the numbers match.

If you have the convertible NAPA # CRB 23191
2 dr coupe                                 # DEM EG10210

anywhere you go, this is gonna be a bit pricey.