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1996 Dodge Caravan Stalls out. Engine light on.

Tiny
GOFFERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
Today my car started stalling out at stops. Then the engine light came on. Before going through an expensive diagnostic which would cost me $100, plus repair costs, I'd like to have a general idea what I may be dealing with.

Thanks
Thursday, July 30th, 2009 AT 5:49 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
You can try a self-diagnostic test. To activate self diagnostic program:

With the ignition switch in the OFF position, depress the TRIP and RESET buttons.
While holding the TRIP and RESET button turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Continue to hold the TRIP and RESET buttons until the word CODE appears in the odometer windows (about five seconds ) then release the buttons. If a problem exists, the system will display Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's). If no problem exists, the code 999 (End Test) will momentarily appear. Post all codes that display. Will tell you what they are.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
GOFFERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Thanks! I did the test and got the codes. They are 14 and 41. I looked them up and am presently attempting to verify the problem. Looks like the MAP sensor and alternator field control circuit open or shorted.
I do not know if they are connected, but both came on at same time.
Any feedback?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Fix the alternator first, if the voltage to the PCM is low, it can give other erroneous codes, but check all fuses in the cab and under the hood, and check the PCM connectors for bent or pushed out pins, field control is thru the PCM, so check the connectors and PCM grounds. The codes you are giving me are for pre 96 models though? What engine size in liters does it have? It's on the engine and the V.E.C.I. Label (white) pasted under the hood.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
GOFFERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
It's a 3.0 litre engine. I am dropping it off to a mechanic tonight to get the alternator replaced. Will see then what happens.

Your answers were very helpful. Thank you so much.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Your welcome, let me know how it turns out.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
GOFFERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Hey Merlin, I just got the car back all fixed. It was a bad alternator and I saved $100 just by being able to diagnose it myself - which I never would have been able to do without your help. This was a simple procedure that a woman can and did do. More women should become aware of this. It could save a lot of money.

Thanks again and again.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Very good!
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
GOFFERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
I'm back again. Today, the car did the same thing all over again. This time I'm getting different code but cannot find the page anymore where the code definitions were listed. Can you help me out?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
GOFFERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
That's ok, I found the page. Looks like a code 61."Baro" sensor open or shorted. Guess, I have to take it back to the mechanic but would like your input.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
TEST TC-60A - BAROMETRIC PRESSURE OUT OF RANGE 1. Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, read MAP sensor voltage. If MAP sensor voltage is less than 2.2 volts, go to step 6). If MAP sensor voltage is 2.2 volts or more, go to next step. 2. Conditions required to set DTC are not present at this time. The MAP sensor voltage is used by Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to determine barometric pressure in the intake manifold. DTC may be stored in PCM when PCM senses MAP sensor voltage is less than 2.196 volts, but greater than .019 volt for 300 milliseconds. Go to next step. 3. Check for defective wiring or connections at MAP sensor and PCM. The PCM located between driver's side front fender and power distribution center, near battery. See MAP SENSOR LOCATION table. 4. If defective wiring or connections exist, repair as necessary. Perform TEST VER-2A . If no defective wiring or connections exist, go to next step. 5. Wiggle wiring harness and connector from MAP sensor to PCM while monitoring MAP sensor voltage. If MAP sensor voltage decreases to less than 2.2 volts while moving wiring harness, repair wiring harness or connector as necessary. Perform TEST VER-2A . If MAP sensor voltage does not decrease to less than 2.2 volts while moving wiring harness, see INACTIVE TROUBLE CODE CONDITION . 6. Disconnect connector at MAP sensor. See the MAP SENSOR LOCATION table. 7. Using scan tool, read MAP sensor voltage. If MAP sensor voltage more than 4.9 volts, replace MAP sensor. Perform TEST VER-2A . If MAP sensor voltage is 4.9 volts or less, go to next step. 8. If MAP sensor voltage is more than 2.2 volts, repair partial short to ground in Dark Green/Red wire between PCM and MAP sensor. Perform TEST VER-2A . The PCM is located between driver's side front fender and power distribution center, near battery. If MAP sensor voltage is 2.2 volts or less, go to next step. 9. Using scan tool in voltmeter mode, check voltage at Violet/White wire on connector for MAP sensor. If voltage is more than 4.5 volts, go to next step. If voltage is 4.5 volts or less, go to step 12). 10. Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect connectors from Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM is located between driver's side front fender and power distribution center, near battery. 11. Using external ohmmeter, check resistance between Dark Green/Red wire on connector for MAP sensor and PCM connector terminal No. 36 (Dark Green/Red wire). If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace PCM. Perform TEST VER-2A . If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open circuit in Dark Green/Red wire between PCM and MAP sensor. Perform TEST VER- 2A . 12. Turn ignition off. Disconnect connectors from Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM is located between driver's side front fender and power distribution center, near battery. 13. Using scan tool in ohmmeter mode, check resistance at PCM connector terminal No. 61 (Violet/White wire). If resistance is less than 5 ohms, repair short to ground in Violet/White wire between PCM and MAP sensor. Perform TEST VER-2A . If resistance is 5 ohms or more, go to next step. NOTE: For connector terminal ID, see the CONNECTOR IDENTIFICATION DIRECTORY . For wiring diagram, see WIRING DIAGRAMS - 3.0L article.14. Using external ohmmeter, check resistance between Violet/White wire on connector for MAP sensor and PCM connector terminal No. 61 (Violet/White wire). If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open circuit in Violet/White wire between PCM and MAP sensor. Perform TEST VER-2A . If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace PCM. Perform TEST VER-2A .


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_MAP_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_MAP2_1.jpg


At least see if you can seperate the connector from the sensor, inspect for damaged pins. Reconnect it and see if it helps.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:59 PM

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