Hesitation and excessive gas usage

I have a 94 Chrysler Le Baron. A while back it started hesitating, not on
accelaration, just while driving. Then it would stop and be fine for a
while, only to do it again later. Then it started dying when we stop or
slow down, expecially when turning. Just recently it started getting
really bad gas mileage, and now it's blowing black smoke, so much you
couldn't see the car behind, and there is gas in the air filter. I'm a
single mom living on low income in a town where I know no one, so I don't
know who to ask about this.

 

First you would have to tell us what engine is in the vehicle and Im sure
the check engine lite is on. we would need the fault code.
http://autorepair.about.com/library/ts/obd-i/bl-dtcs-61.htm that will
explain how to find the code

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

First you would have to tell us what engine is in the vehicle and Im sure
the check engine lite is on. we would need the fault code.
http://autorepair.about.com/library/ts/obd-i/bl-dtcs-61.htm that will
explain how to find the code

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

the codes were 21 and 23, I think it's the oxygen sensor circuit, makes
sense to me now. I didn't know about the codes, that is awesome, thanks.
Sharon

 

What engine would be nice to know. From what you describe you have a rich
running condition, could be caused by a stuck open injector. Since u have
the code 23 I figure u have the 2.5 4 cyl as the 6 didn't have a air temp
sensor. I would start with a diagnosis of the air temp sensor, find out if
its stuck open or shorted. The o2 code could possibly be a consequence of
the air temps sensor, though 21 usually means a circuit failure in the o2
sensor.