Hi all,
My sister owns a 1996 Chrysler LeBaron which she's having trouble starting.
When I first looked at the car I noticed that there was a lot of corrosion on the negative terminal on the battery. Had her try starting it straight up, and I heard the starter clicking but the engine wasn't turning over. Cleaned off the terminal, hooked up a portable jump starter, and attempted starting it. The engine cranked over this time, but sounded really wimpy (like the starter wasn't getting enough power).
I let it sit for a couple of minutes with the jumper attached, then tried starting it again while pressing the gas pedal lightly. I got it to start WITH my foot on the gas pedal. Kept running as long as my foot was on the gas pedal, but AS SOON as I took my foot off of it the engine stalled like it stopped getting fuel, and left a lingering smell of gasoline. Tried again and same deal -- sounded like it was having trouble starting but as long as my foot was on the gas pedal it started, but as soon as I took my foot off of the pedal it stalled..
Anybody ever run into an issue like this? I'd be inclined to say it's an issue with the fuel pump or relay, but it seems to be delivering fuel as it's stinking up the air. Could it be something dumb like a MAP sensor, or is it likely something more serious?
Thanks, and let me know if you have any more questions...