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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
93
Plymouth Acclaim, Unreliable
Q: I have a ‘93 Plymouth Acclaim. It has
been a great car but lately has been giving me problems. It started by
cutting out but not stalling. Then it started cutting out and like coughing
and then within a couple of blocks, it died. I had it towed and the next
morning it started and ran fine for 2 days then it did it again. I let
it set all day and then went to get it and drove it about 10 miles and
it did it again. I let it set and finally got it to the shop.. They changed
the ignition module and told me it was fixed. It worked another 2 days
and quit. I let it sit an hour and drove it 5 miles and it quit and then
I ended up getting it towed again. Then they changed the fuel filter and
drove it and it went 4 miles and died again. They then changed the fuel
pump and I drove it about a week and a half and it died again. 5 hours
later it ran okay. I have now spent $600 with the towing and the parts
and labor and I still do not have any idea what is wrong with it. The
shop claims they have checked the computer but I just don't trust them.
It seems to happen when the car is warm.. There is no check engine light
on, and the temp gauge is in the middle between cold and hot when it happens.
It’s not low on fuel. They have suggested the fuel pump relay. The car
has 123,600 miles on it. It leaks a little oil around the valve covers
but in general is in pretty good shape. I have children and it’s getting
scary being stranded all the time. Can you suggest anything? ... Nancy
A: Doesn’t
seem as if they are proving what is wrong with your vehicle. It sounds
as if guess is part of a diagnostic procedure. If a vehicle is experiencing
a condition that seems to be loss of fuel pressure, then a fuel pressure
gauge should be installed and the fuel pressure loss proven. Whether it’s
in the shop or if the vehicle has to be driven, you don’t replace parts
without proving the need. On more than one occasion we’ve sent a cell
phone equipped customer out on the road with diagnostic equipment loaded
in the vehicle and taped to the windshield to prove needed repairs. Lastly
if you don’t trust who’s working on your vehicle then it’s time to find
someone you do.
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