stevenmckenz's Garage

Your car is OBD-II, so you should be able to hook it up to any OBD-II code reader and get some helpful info. If you have a VIP near you, they will read your codes for free (at least, around here they do) - they won't tell you what any of them mean, but you can look them up online. OBD-II vehicles are usually extremely good at logging helpful codes (as opposed to some of the OBD-I cars I've worked on). Just be aware that the codes you pull can only be taken at face value (meaning, a code stating that a particular sensor is faulty could actually indicate a wiring problem rather than a bad sensor), and one problem will often cause a chain reaction in the system, resulting in a chain of codes being logged. The trick is troubleshooting it to the real source. This is what most garages these days do not do. It's hard to find an automotive technician who can actually troubleshoot this kind of stuff.

My only experience (except for an old Jeep) has been with German cars, but if you wouldn't mind telling me what you get for codes when (if?) you have the ECU scanned, I wouldn't mind doing my best to try to help.

Sounds like a messed up MAF or something..

Just checked out your wheels and since it's a Chrysler... well, let's just say it could be multiple issues.

We won't dwell on whether you had the car checked out by a mechanic before buying it or if you have contacted eBay regarding their "Vehicle Protection Program," as I suspect the answer is no to both?

As Max mentioned, the OBD codes are good place to start. At the same time you might want to add some high strength injector cleaner like Chevron fuel injector cleaner. It may take several tankfuls if the injectors aren't too clogged.

Do you know anything of the car's history, how long the previous owner had it? Hope it's not a "Katrina Kar" that's had the ECU exposed to moisture?

If so, you may want to hold off on those mods you had planned.

Steve,

Autozone will scan the OBDII for free. Don't get all crazy, it almost always boils down to a sensor, which most can be changed yourself.