Engine Performance Diagnostic Table

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Dodge Magnum, 2008 Dodge Charger, and 2008 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSE	CORRECTION
ENGINE WILL NOT START	1. Weak battery	1. Charge or replace as necessary.
	2. Corroded or loose battery connections.	2. Clean and tighten battery connections. Apply a coat of light mineral grease to the terminals.
	3. Faulty starter.	3. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
	4. Incorrect spark plug gap.	4. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
	5. Dirt or water in fuel system.	5. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
	6. Faulty fuel pump, relay or wiring.	6. See DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
ENGINE STALLS OR ROUGH IDLE	1. Idle speed set to low.	1. See DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
	2. Vacuum leak.	2. Inspect intake manifold and vacuum hoses, repair or replace as necessary.
	3. Incorrect engine timing.	3. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
ENGINE LOSS OF POWER	1. Dirty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs.	1. Replace spark plugs.
	2. Dirt or water in fuel system.	2. Clean system and replace fuel filter.
	3. Blown cylinder head gasket.	3. Replace cylinder head gasket.
	4. Low compression.	4. See DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
	5. Burned, warped or pitted valves.	5. Replace as necessary.
	6. Plugged or restricted exhaust system.	6. Inspect and replace as necessary.