I have a 2009 town and country. It drove just fine, until I brought it to the dealer for the R03 recall on Friday, June 12th, 2015. Right after that, the engine sometimes shut off at the stop sign or red lights. Also, when I back from the parking, the car won't move forward after I shift from R to D - but it can still go backwards. It doesn't always act like that.

So I brought it back to the dealer. Their technician said it is unrelated to the recall, and after a week, they told me they couldn't find the exact reason, but
suggested me to replace the spark plugs and wires ($559.xx). Then we can start from there, which means I may need to replace other parts later on - as they weren't sure the exact cause. I don't like the idea of the first step - so I drove it home.

Supposedly, the R03 recall is to prevent the car from sudden shut-off. Is that just coincidence my car started to shut off right after the recall?


I also noticed that it is more likely to die if I brake harder - not 100% sure about this, maybe
just illusion.

 

cqyAmherst,

The spark plug change may be recommended depending on the metrage of the vehicle. Simply may be time to do that service and go from there with further inspection/repairs etc.

The R03 recall involves the key/fob reverting from the on position to the accessory position while driving causing unintended vehicle shut down.

Have you noticed the fob change positions?

 

Thanks for the reply. I don't see the fob change positions. It has 50k miles - forgot to mention it.

Just did a test drive, shut off once among 10 or so stop-signs. Did notice the RPM went up and down a little at idle - just a little. Not sure if that is related. Maybe a throttle body clean as suggested by many others elsewhere?

 

cqyAmherst,

You're welcome.
Per the Owner's Manual under the Maintenance Schedule, spark plugs are suggested to be replaced at 102,000 miles or 8.5 years.
Did your dealer inspect the plugs and determine there was an issue?

 

The technician did try to show me the spark plugs/wires are worn out. He sprayed water onto them with engine running. He did it five times - but we didn't see the sparkles he claimed to see a couple of days ago.