Stratus Engine Stalls: Fuel Quality Under Suspicion

Let me share my experience with a similar issue on my 2003 Chrysler Sebring, which has very comparable fuel system components. The symptoms you describe match what I encountered. After investigating fuel quality issues, it turned out the problem was actually a faulty wiring connection to the fuel pump sensor. The check engine light and stalling were caused by the system getting incorrect fuel pressure readings. A workshop fixed it by repairing the damaged cable connection and cleaning the plug contacts. The total repair cost was 95€, including diagnostic work. However, your suspicion about wrong fuel or contaminated fuel shouldnt be dismissed. Poor fuel quality can definitely cause similar symptoms. Before jumping to conclusions, a few questions would help narrow things down: Have you checked your fuel filter? Does the engine make any knocking sounds? What error codes exactly were stored? Is the fuel mixture running rich or lean according to the scan? What type of fuel did you use at the new station? These details would help determine if your issue is electrical like mine was or actually fuel-related. Based on some experience with these models, the fuel system is generally quite robust, but certain components can be sensitive to both electrical issues and fuel contamination.

Have driven another 300 KM since my last service and the issue persists. After reading your reply, I checked the fuel mixture readings, running significantly rich according to the scan tool. Looking at the error codes again: P0172 and P0175. The engine does make slight knocking sounds when cold. The concerning part is these symptoms appeared immediately after refueling. Had the fuel filter replaced during the last service at 130364 KM, so that should be fine. Used regular unleaded gasoline at the new station, same octane rating as always. Given the timing and symptoms, fuel contamination seems increasingly likely. The rich fuel mixture particularly points to issues in the combustion chamber that could be caused by poor fuel quality. Would draining the tank and cleaning the fuel system be a reasonable next step?

Thanks for those additional details about your Stratus. Your symptoms match exactly what I experienced on my Sebring before getting it fixed. The error codes P0172 and P0175 definitely indicate a rich fuel mixture condition, which combined with the engine knock during cold starts strongly suggests fuel-related issues. In my case, I initially suspected the fuel pump sensor, but the rich mixture readings eventually pointed to contaminated fuel. The immediate onset after refueling is a telling sign. While my fuel filter was also relatively new, contaminated fuel can quickly overwhelm even a fresh filter. After trying several fixes, draining and cleaning the fuel system resolved the issue completely. The total cost was around 280€, including: Fuel system cleaning, Tank draining, New fuel, Cleaning injectors The engine knock disappeared after the service, and the fuel mixture returned to normal parameters. The check engine light also stayed off permanently. A thorough fuel system cleaning is absolutely the right next step given your symptoms. Just be sure the workshop also checks the injectors, as contaminated fuel can leave deposits that affect spray patterns and contribute to the rich mixture condition.

Thanks for the detailed feedback on my Stratus situation. The rich fuel mixture readings and engine knock timing definitely seem to confirm the fuel contamination theory. Planning to get the fuel system cleaned as suggested, especially since these issues started right after that fill-up at the new station. Pretty relieved the repair cost estimate is around 280€, was worried it might require more extensive work in the combustion chamber. Will make sure they thoroughly check the injectors too since the rich mixture codes suggest they could be affected. For now, I switched back to my regular gas station and will monitor if the engine knock during cold starts improves after the fuel system cleaning. Really hoping this resolves both the stalling and check engine light issues. Will update once the work is done in case others run into similar fuel-related problems with their Stratus.