Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When turning Not applicable
Q: After initially turning the wheels, no power steering to turn them back.
This happens when parked or moving very slowly. Not noticable at road speeds. No funny noises. Oil level appears adequate.
This is noticable after a damaged power pump as a result of an accdent.
A: Sounds like a pressure problem, but this can be checked with a pressure gauge. You need at least 1200 psi capacity. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Upgrade When starting Always
Q: when i changed the battery in the van all the light on the dash where the radio and ac lights keep blinking
A: The blinking lights are the A/C's version of a check engine light. When you removed the battery it probably set it off. Disconnect the negative battery terminal for 5 minutes. This should restore it to normal. If this fails there is another way which involves resetting the lights by a series of button sequences on the A/C unit. Email me if the battery doesnt correct the situation and I will give you the instructions.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving Always
Q: i went to go get into the van it won't start so i changed the battery in it. then after it started then i lights on the console where the radio and ac and heater is keeps blinking on all the time
A: The blinking lights are the A/C trouble lights similar to a check engine light. If you are expeiriencing no A/C problems disconnect the negative battery cable for 10 min and the lights should stay off, if they do not it will need resetting by a dealer mechanic.
Q: Where is the cooling fan relay located on a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
A: Follow the wires from the fan, they will lead you to the relay. It will be a black box, close to 1" X 1" X 2" in size. Probably screwed down to some sort of bracket. Bill
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: The heat/air/ventilation only comes on when the fan switch is on high. When it's on any of the lower settings nothing comes on. What is wrong, or needs fixing/replacement?
A: It's either the switch, or the resistor pack at the motor.... Ed
Q: I Have a 1996 Dodge Caravan, V6, 106,000 KMS on the engine.When I am driving,the (check engine soon)light comes on.It shows codes: 12,17,24.What does that mean? I just filled my van up with fuel(gas) yesterday.If there was water in the gas would it cause this to happen? Allan Stephen
A: The 12 is nothing, just a reference code. The 17 and the 24 are indications of a possible problem and you need to get the info to diagnose the systems indicated. Local library. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other When driving When warm
Q: Will the car operate without the knock sensor?
A: Your car will run with the knock sensor disconnected. You will however encounter problems with pinging as the sensor is used by the on-board computer to adjust timing to compensate for varying load conditions while driving. The computer will also set a malfunction code for the sensor and activate the check engine light.
Q: The van has a stalling problem. So here is the situation…we are stationed overseas and own a Dodge Caravan. American vehicles are more difficult and more expensive to fix over here. My husband is pretty handy with mechanics, but is not currently here. I am wondering if you could help.
After driving at higher speeds 75-85MPH on the Autobahn here in Germany, once we exit to a slower speed area it begins to stall. We have tried using super and super+ gasoline. We have recently replaced the battery, fuel filters, oil and filter. We did have it looked at some time ago when we were having similar problems. The Dodge dealer here said there was no problem... there is somewhat of a language barrier here that makes talking about car mechanics in particular very difficult.
The Van has some times when it will feel jerky…not a hard jerk, but where I can feel it’s not getting the gas and or power it needs…. does this sound like anything specific to you?
Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. If I have at least an idea of where the dealership should start to look it would be helpful!
Thank you, Nikki Neubauer
A: I have a 1994 Dodge Caravan that is in the shop right now for the same problem. I was told by my mechanic that my vehicle has been running rich and with that it has corroded my system which burned out my O2 sensor and clogged my air filter up.
Q: My check engine light comes on periodically,
I believe I checked the codes to be 12-32-55.
I was told the 12 is a start up function, and the 55 is the ending function. could you please tell me what the problem is and why I get the 32?
Ignition System Won't Start Happens sometimes Not applicable
Q: Caravan blow fuse three times half mile from house each time replace it starts,But last time replace fuse still would not start. show i check for spark notice no spark was going to coil. caravan is getting fuel. hook up to computer show everything ok need help!!!!!!
A: The fuse was blowing for a reason. Just replacing the fuse is unacceptable. The offending circuit must be diagnosed and repaired. If not, component damage can result.
This circuit may not be monitored by the computer, hence no error detected.
Brake System Malfunction When braking Not applicable
Q: how do I get the drum off the passenger rear.
A: get a brake adjusting tool and adjust the shoes down to remove the drum,adjuster are located in the middle of the brake backing plate near the wheel cylinder
Q: Is there an Auto shut off switch. My Grandson was playing with my romote door locking switch pushing the buttons He kept pushing the lock swiych to hear the horn beep and now my van won't start it turns over fine & I have spark at the plugs but it won't start Didn't have any trouble with it before this just had it running about an hour before he found my keys do you know what may be wrong????
A: From the outside try locking and unlocking the drivers door with the key.
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: The compressor clutch won't kick in, nor will the cooling fan work. Do they work in conjunction with each other? What might my problem be?
The vehicle temperature guage never gets above halfway. The vehicle never seems to get hot (no boil over or steam).
This all seems to have started when I put new heads on the 3.3l motor this past December.
Help?
A: The low temperature means that your cooling system is doing its job.
The compressor clutch should only kick in if you are trying to run your air conditioner.
Assuming this to be the case, you probably left the grounding wire on the compressor disconnected after you installed your heads.
Look for a green wire hanging around. That ground is what switches the compressor on and off. Bill
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other Happens always Always
Q: Leaking power-steering pump reservoir. It is leaking from a small pin hole about half way up on the resevoir.
A:
Replace! Or a cheap fix would be an epoxy product. Like JB Weld for instance. Don't get affixed on a brand. Rather make sure that it is suitable for the intended application. Autoparts stores or even (walmart) have a variety of products to choose from. Follow the directions completely!
Ignition System Malfunction When starting Not applicable
Q: Hi, I have been having trouble starting my Dodge Caravan for a week now.
Sometimes I get a click and a hum, sometimes just a click, and sometimes nothing.
The ignition switch feels funny, like I am pushing it too far.
I have figured out that if I turn it immediately after it fails, it usually starts up. What could be my problem here?
A: New ignition tumbler/electrical part needed.... fits into the steering column.... Ed
Ignition System Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: Intermittently, when I try to start my van, I get one of three things:
1) either my van starts up instantly (that's nice);
2) I get cranking, but no start-up (when this happens I can't hear the fuel pump pressurize); or
3) I hear the fuel pump pressurize, but I get no cranking.
There is no particular scenario for this. It happens when it's cold or hot. The engine is the 3.0l V-6. I keep the tank 1/2 full or better.
At first I thought the problem must be with my fuel pump, but then I started getting the last symptom I mentioned. The vehicle is otherwise in fine shape and was recently tuned. By the way, this problem was occuring even before the tune-up. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
A: The next time you have cranking and no start up..... have someone bang hard on the bottom of the gas tank while you are cranking..... If it starts right away then you do need a fuel pump......
Also if the no cranking is just a loud click, you need the starter solenoid contacts replaced..... Ed
Q: My Dodge Caravan with 3.0 engine.
Water runs out over the transmission. It is not a hose.
At first using stop leak sealed it up and it wouldn't leak for 6 months or so. Now it is so bad stop leak won't stop it. I understand this is a seal that gives a lot of problems. What is it called? Does it require any special tools to change it?
A: On some of the Dodge/Chrysler vans, there is a metal pipe running from your radiator to just above your tranny, right in the top middle of it. it sounds like the rubber o-ring has become bad. to fix it, you have to... find the metal hose running above your tranny and into the engine, drain the radiator, remove the 2 bolts holding in the metal line, pull out the line (may take some muscle!), clean end of the line and of the bore of the hole where the line goes, replace the o-ring. i also recommend using some black RTV silicone to smear around the o-ring. this will make sure it wont leak. and wont hurt anything either.
All Part Groups Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: need help trying to figure out how to get the starter off my 1990 dodge caravan 3.3
I have the wires that are connected to it off as well as the battery. just need to locate what bolts to take out where.
A: the bolts are right on the flange type part of the starter, where the starter meets the transmisison. there is 3 bolts holding it in. they are most likely 13mm, 14mm, or 15mm bolts. but on some caravan models you have to remove the front transmission mount to get to it. this is probabally why you cant find em'. but you will have to remove the mount, then the starter bolts. then you have your starter out! but when you want to put the mount back in, you may need a floor jack to lift the engine/trans um into the right spot to put the bolt back through the rubber part..
Brake System Malfunction When driving Not applicable
Q: After getting the system bled and the power booster changed - new brakes roters and calipers - when the van is started there is still no brakes.
A: the combination valve has a hold off valve incorperated in it with a valve stem that must be properly positioned before bleeding to allow brake fluid to the whole system. Follow the brake lines down below the master cyl to find the valve. refer to the service manual for step by step bleeding.
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