1999 Chrysler LHS starting problems

If your looking to take shots at fixing it you can try a cam and crank sensor. Otherwise a scan tool will be needed to monitor these sensors as the problem is occurring.

Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech

I thought that it was only the 1995 and earlier computers that did NOT set a code when the crank sensor failed intermittently?

It certainly does sound like the textbook crank sensor, though.

Ted

Whether it sets a code or not a scanner connected to the vehicle as the problem is occurring will see that the cam or crank signal went dead

Glenn

Max & Ted sound like they are quite knowledgeable here but I have had cold start/warm start sensors that can affect cold or in your case warm start problems,but I am unsure if these are used on your application just a thought.

I've never seen a defective Coolant Temperature Sensor actually prevent starting, but have observed the case where an already warm engine is difficult to start (the spit and cough referenced?) because the defective CTS makes the ECU believe the engine is cool, so enriches the fuel mixture. When this happens, the engine temperature gauge usually does not read the correct temperature, the warm engine idles roughly, and the fuel mileage is noticeably decreased.

Since it won't start at all, and there are no references to the other symptoms, I'd put my money on the cam or crank sensors.

Bob

Max & Ted sound like they are quite knowledgeable here but I have had cold start/warm start sensors that can affect cold or in your case warm start problems,but I am unsure if these are used on your application just a thought.

It could go both ways, the coolant sensor could also tell the PCM that the engine is hot when it is cold. This will cause problems. Either way a good scanner and someone that knows how to use it will see the problem

Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech

That is in fact correct on this car since there is one temp. sensor that feeds into the PCM, from which signal the PCM both drives the gage and does the engine management.

Bill Putney (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with the letter 'x')

Will it fire right up if you crank it with the accelerator held to the floor (just like clearing a flooded condition on a carbureted car)? If so, you probably have a leaky fuel injector.

If not, check the fuel pressure. The fuel pump could be in the early stages of failing and may not start running when its hot.

Since the engine instruments are all computer driven, would a bad temp sensor also show erroneous temperature readings on the engine temperature guage?

That was my point ("...there is one temp. sensor that feeds into the PCM, from which signal the PCM both drives the gage and does the engine management.").

Bill Putney (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my address with the letter 'x')

we have seen a two fold increase in fuel pump failure since gas prices went up

the fuel is not in the tank to help keep it cool

Steve wrote:

I didn't realize that GM made the 1999 Chrysler 3.5L LHS! Seriously, I have stayed away from GM products since having some bad experiences with a couple of used 1970's and a brand new 1980.

Bob