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Dodge Caravan Repair Questions and Answers

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Question : 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan mileage: 43,000. Our van would not start after the kids ran the battery down listening to the radio. The van was jump started. The jumper cables were attached to the dead battery first then to the booster battery of a car that was running. After the van was started the speedometer and tachometer did not work. They still do not work after multiple starts. I looked at the fuse box and none of the fuses are labeled for those two items. It seems that everything else electrically is working. Did a relay/fuse burn out because of the jump start? If so, which one do I replace. Is there something possibly more serious? If you have any ideas please let me know. Thank you.

Answer: When your Caravan was jump-started, a voltage spike may have damaged the speedometer cluster or possibly burned out a fuse or two. If it is a fuse, you will need to check them all to determine which ones to replace. Also check the vehicle speed sensor to be sure that it is sending a signal to the speedometer.

Question : 1998 Dodge Caravan mileage: 120,000. Transmission went on this vehicle. Transmission rebuilt and replaced. Vehicle starts and then it stalls when putting it in drive. Spark plugs and wires have been replaced. Engine oil changed. We can drive it, but it keeps on stalling anytime we go to stop also. Any ideas.

Answer: The lock-up torque converter may not be disengaging at idle.

Question : 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan mileage: 160,000. My lights on my air regulator, rear-wiper and rear-wiper delay, flash every time I start my van. The problem is they continue to flash for 20 to 25 minutes then stop. But as soon as I start the van it starts flashing again. Recently I had a transmission put in. I don’t know if that would have anything to do with the other controls. I contacted an Automite place and he had never heard of this before. Any help would be great.

Answer: The AC controller in the dash is probably faulty.

Question: 1997 Dodge Caravan Mileage 123,000. The problem has happened three times in the last 4000 miles. I will be driving at 30 or 40 mph and the van loses power and I can hear a pinging and if I give it gas there is no power. I turned the van off and then on again and had the same problem. The first time I had it towed and a shop found nothing wrong. The second time I turned the van off and let it sit for 30 minutes. The van ran fine for another 2000 miles. Now it happened again and it soon cleared up after sitting for only five minutes. I called the auto shop and they think it may be the coil pack. The first time the computer gave no problems. I have changed the plugs, wires, O2 sensor, fuel filter, and added some injector cleaner. Should I change the coil pack?

Answer: Intermittent starting problems are hard to locate. Have the computer system scanned for fault codes. If this checks out okay, check fuel pump pressure and vacuum. You may have crank angle sensor, coil pack or computer failure. Also, check for poor or loose ground connections.

Question: 1995 Dodge Caravan mileage: 170,000: I've just been through your archives! This is my first visit to the site. Wow! So much good information in here. A month ago, just driving along, the tranny sort of lurched and dropped into first gear. After this, first gear is all we got. We took it to a shop and were told that the tranny was shot and had a rebuilt one put in. Within a week, we start to feel the tranny shift really erratically. Coming to a stop, when it would normally downshift from 2nd to 1st, it seemed like it waited until the last moment, almost to the point where the engine would stall, and then shift hard and lurch when it finally did. Since the tranny was still under warranty, we took it back to the shop. They put the tranny through "all the tests" and it came out fine. They did replace all of the sensors, thinking that this may be where the problem lies. Well, it's been another week, and now the tranny will suddenly downshift into 2nd gear (which could really hurt if you're on the freeway, hasn't happened yet) and not let you shift any higher. Here is the funny part. If you pull over, put it in park, turn off the car, and then re-start it, you have a 50-50 chance of whether the problem will still be there. Even after all this happened, and after re-starting, I've been on the freeway, shifting completely normal all the way to Overdrive. So, I figure that the tranny really is OK, but if it's not that and all the sensors have just been replaced, what else could it be? The mechanic says it may be the computer and I should disconnect then reconnect the battery to clear the computer and see if we still have the problem? My concern is that this is not a solution to the problem. Any ideas would help. Keep up the good work.

Answer: There is a remote chance you have a faulty ignition switch. However, it is more likely that an internal problem exists in the new transmission.

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Question: 1999 Dodge Caravan mileage: 109,000. We just had the transmission rebuilt. The problem now seems like a transmission problem. In first gear, the van won't get out of its own way. It also sounds like the engine is making a "guttural" sound. The tranny doesn't seem to be having any problems shifting into gears and downshifting or going into overdrive. Yet, when it shifts into 3rd gear the guttural sound goes away. I have taken the van back to the place I had the transmission rebuilt - they say it's the 'cat'. I took it to two other places and was told it was the tranny and that it's the engine and I would need to have it rebuilt at $1,900. I've done a tune up (plugs, wires, cap & rotor, pvc, etc). I've also done a compression test on the fuel and cylinders I don't get any codes and the shops (including a dealer) have done many test. Where do we go from here?

Answer: Assuming the engine sounded and ran okay before the transmission failed, we would assume the engine is still okay. By a process of elimination, it appears likely the transmission is causing the trouble. We are sorry to hear you are getting the run-a-round with your car repairs. Talk with friends and neighbors to locate a professional auto mechanic you can trust. Have him/her inspect the car giving him/her the same information you gave us. If possible have him/her accompany you back to the transmission shop where you had your car repairs done to discuss the repairs that are necessary. We assume a warranty was provided on the work done by the first mechanic.

Question: 1998 Dodge Caravan engine, 95,000 miles. I am getting trouble code 15 which is the transmission control module relay failure. The transmission seems to bog down when accelerating, then eventually picks up and behaves normally. Also lost the speedometer about the same time. I purchased a new transmission control module relay from the Dodge dealer, but can't find the relay under my hood. The shop manual refers to it but does not locate it on any diagram I have found. The service manager and mechanic at he Dodge dealer were equally perplexed when they tried to locate the relay for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Code 15 for your make and model indicates a failed vehicle speed sensor. This would account for your speedometer and your transmission not working properly. Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question : 1997 Dodge Caravan mileage: 100,000. Where on the vehicle is the fuel pump relay cavity 25 located? At terminal 51 on single board, engine controller goes to fuel pump relay cavity 25 (see sheet 116). This information is from a Haynes manual-wiring diagram. Vehicle has no spark or fuel because auto shutdown relay isn't getting its ground on the control circuit.

Answer: We do not think the fuel pump relay is your problem. From what you have described, you probably have a bad engine controller, which is located by the battery. Also, check the ignition coil pick-up. If the computer cannot "see" the engine turning over it will not allow the fuel pump to run. A bad ignition coil could be the cause.

Question: 1998 Dodge Caravan mileage: 111,020. My faithful Caravan failed the other night. She started and let me go a few feet before stalling and failing to restart. I suspected the timing belt gave up, but when I pulled the top cover, the belt appears intact, and under tension. When I crank the engine, the belt is not turning. Is it possible that the belt has failed and jammed? Or, am I on the wrong track?

Answer: You are on the right track - the timing belt has failed. The belt is still under tension because the teeth on the inside belt have been stripped off. Rarely does the belt break when it fails.

Question: 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan mileage: 104,500. While driving under normal conditions at 35 miles per hour, the transmission down shifted to 1st gear and the speedometer went to "0" and stopped working. The transmission will not shift and remains in 1st gear at all Rpms.

Answer: Try locating the vehicle speed sensor that sends a signal to the speedometer as it may be defective. If you get the speedometer working and it still does not shift right, you may have a faulty transmission.

Question : 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan mileage: 68,000. After high speed driving, the problem is spells (usually warmer weather) of rough running, dies (e.g., after stopping at toll booths), won't up shift without winding way out, noticeable loss of power. Acts like ECM is compensating for a problem--or maybe losing its grounds. Seems clear this only happens when high engine compartment temperatures are reached. Always goes away when engine cools a little or sometimes when it's not cooler--just goes away. Spells last 10-15 minutes or so. It runs perfectly around town. I have replaced coil, plugs, wires, fuel pump, filter, fuel press regulator, ECM, Tranny ECM, O2 sensor, EGR valve. Fuel pressure is good and holding, vacuum normal for all conditions. Went to dealer who ran diagnostics to no avail. Dealer agrees it seems electrical and high temperature related. They tried improving a few "suspicious" grounds at firewall then idled it for 4 hours and drove it 100 miles. Naturally, it ran fine. My next trip 5 hours out it happened again. Am think of adding a ground to the PCM--would you suggest which lead to ground (I have the factory manual)? Any other ideas would be much appreciated. What sequence of electrical (or other) checking would make sense at this point? Can you suggest a way to recreate or test short of driving 5 hwy? Hours?

Answer: Ask the Dodge dealer for a device called a co-pilot. This can be attached to your car so when the problem occurs, you can push a button to signal the co-pilot to record information that will pinpoint the problem.

Question: 1997 Dodge Caravan mileage: 57,000. Just recently my service light went on. It shows a code 45 "turbo boost problems" I found out. The car shifts fine when its cold, but it quickly just stays in first gear and does not shift into higher gears. After it cools down for a while, it shifts, but quickly resumes staying in first gear. Reverse is fine. Any clue before I go looking around for repairs. Thank you for your time.

Answer: A boost pressure that is too high causes a turbo boost problem. Check the waste gate as it may be hanging up causing the over boost.

Question : 1990 Dodge Caravan 3.3L mileage: 135,000. I sent a question yesterday saying I had replaced the coolant sensor and now there is no spark. Well I have done a more thorough investigation. The sensor was not the problem, there appears to be a break in one of the wires from the sensor to the computer. I also checked the voltage at the coil pack. It reads about 11.5V then drops to zero when I crank the engine. My Chilton, repair manual says to look in section 5 about distributor pickup diagnostics when this happens, but Chapter 5 is all about fuel. So, I don't know what the problem can be.

Answer: Check the control module by the battery, as it may be faulty. Also, check the ignition switch.

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Question: 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan mileage: 176,000. Just changed the rear main engine oil seal, after reinstalling transmission. It's stuck in limp mode (only reverse and 2nd gear available). I've tried: Disconnecting battery and waiting couple hours, Double checked wiring and harness connections, Fluid level (yes its the right type ;)) Shift cable Fuses and relay connections I don't get any trouble codes on the "check engine" light test other than 12 and 55 (12=recent battery disconnect, & 55 is End of info). Everything came apart and went together with no issues. I've done this a couple times in the past when tranny failed (gee I wish I had done the rear main THEN!) Any thoughts or suggestions? James

Answer: Drive the car until it is thoroughly warmed up. Stop the car and shut off the ignition. Turn the keyon and off four times. This will clear the drive train computer and your transmission should function properly.

Question : 1999 Dodge Caravan mileage: 87,500. Given the history of the Caravan's transmission, if I keep the transmission serviced at the regular schedule time, will this help keep the thing from coming apart?

Answer: Yes. Also, it may help to add an extra transmission cooler as heat is the major cause of transmission failure.

Question: 1999 Dodge Caravan mileage: 72,000. I had the speedometer fixed since it worked intermittently. The cruise control worked prior to having the speedometer fixed. Now the cruise control does not work. I checked the fuse and it is OK. Thought this was strange. Spoke to the mechanic about it and told that there is no connection between what he did and what happened to the cruise. Can there be an easy way to check for a loose connector or switch?

Answer: The cruise control and the speedometer are related. We would suggest the mechanic recheck his work and see if there is a loose connection or an unplugged wiring loom.

Question: 1998 Dodge Caravan mileage: 95,000. When filling tank to Full, the smell of gas inside the car is almost unbearable. How can I fix?

Answer: You probably have a leak in the fill pipe that goes from the gas cap to the tank. There is also a possibility that you have a leak in the top of the gas tank. Have it checked out and fix by a reputable automobile service center.

Question : 1997 Dodge Caravan mileage: 102,245. We have problem with engine when it is cold outside it runs great. But when weather warms up the car when driving on highway will act like it runs out of gas and coast a little ways. Then it will start up on its own and run fine for miles or hours. Have installed new fuel pump and filters. Dodge dealer in Scottsbluff said they could not find the problem. If you have any ideals or question. Please write back. We are lost. Thank you for your time.

Answer: Try changing the engine control module that is located next to the battery.

Question: 1999 dodge/caravan mileage: 80,000. How do I straighten out my wheel alignment?

Answer: This is not something you can do yourself; it takes sophisticated technical equipment, which wheel alignment places have. Check with friends and neighbors to find a knowledgeable service center.

Question : 1998 Dodge Caravan mileage: 113,000. ABS brakes quit. Both ABS and Brakes lights came on. Pedal has little travel and requires much pressure to stop. Doesn’t here ABS pump (the only good news)? First happened about 6 days ago, but it did wake up once at end of day 2. I heard the pump, had normal pedal and braking, and then lights went off seconds after 1st stop. Later that evening, lights were back and the ABS assist subsided again after about dozen stops. I am thinking an electrical connection problem. Had all new pads (rear) and turned rotors, and I think disc cylinders less than 1 yr. ago. Do not think mechanic replaced all fluid but was generous in his replacing with new fluid. All NAPA parts. What do you suspect? If it is a control module or pump or? Are any parts from a junkyard advisable? Thank you in advance.

Answer: Sounds like your problems are caused by the power brake booster.

Question: 1999 Dodge Caravan mileage: 65,000. I have been having the head gasket replaced about every 12,000 miles or so since 34,000 miles were on the van. Is there a problem with the head or block surface? Dodge just keeps replacing the gaskets. I was just wondering if there were problems with this 2.5 litre engine. My son drives a 93 Acclaim, which has a 2.5 also, has had to have the head gasket replaced also.

Answer: Replacing the head gaskets every 12,000 miles is not normal as you can well guess. The block, head, or both may be causing the problem. The surface of either or both is probably not flat. It is easily checked with the engine apart.

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