I have a 2005 Chrysler town and country with 309,000 miles on it sat for 7 months out in my driveway started it back up changed the oil was doing some cleaning today because noticed a burning smell, poor fuel economy (drains fuel big time) and poor acceleration (will get to 70 mph with ease but from 70-80 the engine starts straining) and while cleaning the throttle body I noticed a fuel smell from the wet soot on the inside of it. Went to check the oil dipstick Becuase I remember it smelling like fuel before I did that oil change and even it smells like fuel again. I want to believe fuel injectors or fuel pump but I could be wrong what do y’all think & is it normal?
these minivans (Dodge/Chrysler T&C, grand caravan, etc.) were some of the worst vehicle ever made. Brilliant winning concept, but terrible execution. I would try to ditch it as soon as possible. It's amazing yours got so far.
Chrysler town and country with 309,000 milesYou've logged 300k on a town and country? That's remarkable, seriously..
is it normal?
Of course it's not "normal". At that age and mileage it would be no surprise to find the injectors being drippy. You should perform a full diagnostic scan for codes and live data. Maybe do a compression test to verify internal engine condition.
That vehicle is beyond its expected life span and I would not put a lot of money into it but depending what's wrong you may be able to revive it for a while without spending a fortune.
@chucktobias thanks for the help, does it mean anything to have the oil light and check engine light on but go away once I crank the car?
It means that those lights are not burned out.
@chucktobias right, well I do appreciate it.
Hook up a scan tool and select live data. Even the cheapest scanners will have long-term and short-term fuel trims (abbreviated LTFT and STFT). If you have a negative percentage, your engine is running rich (too much gas). You have this problem. If it's a positive percentage, the car is running lean (not your problem, you most likely wouldn't be smelling gas). If your check engine light is on, codes are stored. Retrieve them and post them.
The codes are not a shopping list, though. The codes indicate possible causes only, and further troubleshooting will be necessary.
@justin-shepherd thankyou I appreciate it I’ll get it checked asap
@justin-shepherd still yet to take the alternator off the HHR but I checked the battery…straight up dead.
That's rough. Hopefully you will have brighter days, soon.
The battery only has limited reserve capacity when the alternator isn't charging it.
@justin-shepherd checked the alternator and battery on the HHR both are fine
checked the alternator and battery on the HHR both are fine
Please keep on the topic of the Chrysler, not the HHR. If you have updates on the HHR, please post in your other topic. I hyperlinked it for you: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/big-fan-with-a-car-question/
Thanks.