TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid To Diagnose A No-Start Condition
One way to test to see if the engine is not starting due to a lack of fuel is to do starting fluid test.
This test simply involves spraying starting fluid into the intake manifold's throttle body and then cranking the engine.
If fuel is not reaching the engine, then the engine will start since it'll use the starting fluid you just sprayed into the throttle body as fuel.
If fuel is reaching the engine, then the engine will not start.
Now for this test to be accurate you have to make sure that all four cylinders have spark. So before you start, test all 4 spark plug wires for spark with a spark tester.
IMPORTANT: For this test to give you an accurate test result, you need to make sure that all cylinders are getting spark.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body. You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in step 2.
- 2
Spray starting fluid down the bore of the throttle body. After spraying a good squirt of starting fluid, quickly reconnect the air duct to the throttle body (you don't have to tighten the hose clamp).
- 3
Have your assistant crank the engine once the intake air duct is back on the throttle body.
- 4
You'll get one of two results with this test:
1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die.
2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.
OK, let's find out what your results mean:
CASE 1: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This test result confirms that the no-start condition is NOT due to a lack of fuel from the fuel pump.
CASE 2: The engine started but died after a few seconds. This test result tells you that the engine, in your 2001-2006 2.4L DOHC Chrysler Sebring or Dodge Stratus, is not starting due to a lack of fuel.
Your next step is to check the fuel pump's pressure with a fuel pressure gauge to confirm the fuel pump is bad.
Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save
If you find that the fuel pump is defective, take a look at the following links. I think you'll save quite a bit on the fuel pump by buying it online.
FUEL PUMPS FOR 2001-2002 2.4L DOHC SEBRING (Sedan) AND STRATUS (Sedan):
FUEL PUMPS FOR 2003-2006 2.4L DOHC SEBRING AND STRATUS:
More 2.4L Chrysler And Dodge Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 2.4L Chrysler and Dodge tutorials in this index:
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test Engine Compression (2.4L Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth).
- How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (2.4L Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth).
- Ignition System Wiring Diagram (1995-1998 2.4L Cirrus, Stratus, Breeze).
- Fuel Injector Circuit Wiring Diagram (1995-2000 2.4L Cirrus, Stratus, Breeze).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
