2005 pt cruiser starts when cold, won't start when hot.

Asked by GuruDZYX2C Nov 20, 2023 at 03:11 AM about the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Wagon FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2005 pt cruiser starts when cold, won't start when hot. It will start after a while.
What's the issue?

6 Answers

307,225

PT cruisers are horrible vehicles and one this old is just a time bomb. Things I have found on PT cruisers: Crank and cam sensors, wiring issues, collapsed vacuum lines, cracked intake plenums, EGR solenoid control valve plates, blown headgaskets, ignition control issues caused by faulty ECM. So my advise is either pay a good tech to fix it, then sell it or just sell it as is where is. but get rid of this money pit.

1 people found this helpful.
202,325

On any car that's nearly twenty years old, among the first things I check are the fuel injectors. What you're experiencing is a classic sign of injectors leaking. When the engine's off, fuel leaks into the manifold and causes a rich condition, preventing the engine from starting. Next time this happens, hold the accelerator to the floor for a wide open throttle (WOT). That signals the computer to postpone spark and clear out the manifold of built-up fuel.

1,925

Check your temp sensors hot and cold. A bad temp sensor can cause fuel delivery problems.

I have the same problem after replacing spark plugs, wires, coil pack, hoses, manifold seals, camshaft sensor, Map sensor, and fuel injectors. Starts and runs great, until I stop and go get something, then I go to start it and she says "nope". Cranks good, but no fuel getting in. I'm going to drop the tank and replace the fuel pump tomorrow, I've heard this can be a problem with the PT cruiser, though I have my doubts because its starts fine when cold, but I'm running out of things to do. I'll let you know how it goes.

Well, dropped the tank, changed the fuel pump and relay. No change. I'm stumped at this point.

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