[hipcoolchic]

Just bought a 98 Intrepid with 73K miles and had all recommended maintenance from 30K up to 100K performed.

Have noticed once before it seems like I get a rough start when car is warm. By warm, I mean it has been driven for 20+ minutes, I parked to run in somewhere for 5 minutes and when I come back out to leave, the trep almost acts flooded (slightly rough idle like it is going to die - once I thought maybe it needed gas but that made the issue worse and had to wait 20 minutes to get it started after officially flooding it).

Have read a few posts about possible issues and am hoping it's nothing major...but either way don't want to let the issue get to the point that I can't rely on the car or the engine quits on me altogether.

Possibilities I saw were the O2 sensor, fuel pump, temp gauge and leaky fuel injector. After reading my post, any expert opinions? Am almost 9 months pregnant and don't want to get stranded with a newborn and spent a pretty penny having a ton of maintenance performed on top of purchasing the car, so advice would be greatly appreciated! Would rather purchase parts myself and have an independent mechanic fix this issue for me.

[hipcoolchic]

Also, as long as it has been sitting for long enough, starts and runs fine (no issues). Have noticed the rough idle when I am running around making quick pit stops for the second time today...at first thought the first time was a fluke...now not so much!

[tgs]

What you're describing sounds like the "Hot Soak" issue that pops up here from time to time. I had the same issue with one of my projects and had the PCM re-flashed at the dealership. Problem solved.

This thread has information on the hot soak TSB (part way down the page in Daytreppers post):

http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/showthread.php?t=80939

Here's another thread; same subject:

http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/showthread.php?t=190117

[hipcoolchic]

Local dealership says they will flash the PCM for about $55. Hoping this will fix the problem because it does sound exactly like what is described in the link you provided, thank you for the suggestion! Will follow up and let you know if it improves or fixed the problem.

[hipcoolchic]

Had it flashed this afternoon, did a few hours of running and it is running VERY smooth, no roughness at all with a warm start! Exactly what the doctor ordered, thanks so much for the advice!