Hello to all,
I need some advise. I have a 1999 Sebring jxi convertible and it is a commuter (70 mi) 1 way.
It all started w/water leak, towed it to shop they replaced,
Crossover Tube, Water Pump, Timing Belt, Radiator cap, Spark Plugs, Ignition Wires, Ignition Rotor, Distributor cap, car was running great for about a week then it started running rough like a plug was fouling out and I could hear a ticking sound , so I called mechanic he said bring it in, so as I'm exiting freeway after 70 miles, the car just DIES.. NO WARNING, tow it to shop, they determined it was a Crank Sensor and replace it and a new battery also. For got all about the problem I was bringing it in for to begin with I guess because it still was running rough. So I'm getting on freeway heading to work car hickups and check engine light comes on, I exit turn car off let it sit for awhile, start it up lights off, continue on, cars running fine. So a week goes by driving short distances no problems, get ready to get on freeway it does it again hickup this time its 2-3 times, light comes on, but its running fine, I continue. But the light will go off after 3-4 restarts and driving short distances.. Needless to say I have replaced the Crank Sensor again(#3). Took back to the shop they did a compression test determined I had antifreeze dripping on sensor and replaced a couple of hoses, said I was good to go, so on with my commute, about 30 miles into it the car STARTS IT AGAIN....I'm about ready to blow a gasket myself by now... It was jerking so bad and acting like it wasn't getting any gas and it had a full tank..I let up on gas it stops then when I give it gas again and do it slowly it seems to be ok up to about 50-60 mph anything above forget it.
Could this possibly be the fuel filter or did the mechanic mess up something when he did all the work, because the car had no problems up till the water leak.
Sorry for the short novel, but is there something else that the code reader isn't detecting that I can fix to stop this it's very frustrating trying to keep up with rush hour traffic when a car acts up like this.. oh did I mention how pleased the other commuters are when your going 55-60 mph: They aren't...
Thanks for taking the time to read this and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as this is costing a small fortune to try and fix.
Thanks and have a blessed day,
Dee

 

Yes, fuel filter is a possibility. The symptoms of being able to drive short distances without problems but not extended freeway use, then sitting for a while and being able to drive again are consistent with a glogged fuel filter, but it could also be a problem with the computer (cracked solder joint somewhere that separates when it gets hot enough). That engine is also notorious for distributor problems.
None of these items is cheap to fix. The fuel filter is built into the fuel tank which will need to be removed to gain access.
Electrical problems usually throw codes, fuel problems may not.
Keep in mind that that car is 14, going on 15 years old and is going to have problems. It may not be the wisest choice for a 70 mile commute.

 

Thank you very much for your reply. I am going to try the fuel filter replacement. I forgot to say that this commute isn't a daily one, it's often a weekend 2-3 times a month..
The car ran fine up till the timing belt replacement and tune up, that's why I've been so stumped about this behavior.. I thought I was doing the right thing by maintaining this ole girl because she is getting up there in her years. I can say that this is the most troubles we've had with her and we bought it off show room floor. It's been and still is a very good car.Again THANKS for your advice ..
Have a blessed day,
Dee

 

Seem to remember when you replace the flywheel/crank sensor, there's another one maybe to change also. Is it the camshaft pos. sensor? Long shot maybe...

Leedsman.