My engine stalls at idle or when slowing down?

Tiny
D5NUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 61 POSTS
Well this could be a couple things. Either the IAC SENSOR, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, OR THE EGR VALVE. I would check the IAC first then the others. The EGR valve if stuck open after cruising at speed could cause this also. Do you get any Error codes if so have auto zone scan it for you.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ANDREW720691
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have a 1991 dodge caravan, the problem is the van won't stay on when started. Starts, then have to keep gas petal down for it to stay on once gas pedal is released engine stops. Then I turn the key again and it starts. What is this problem
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ANDREW720691
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:)
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
D5NUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 61 POSTS
I would check the throttle position sensor and the IAC idle air control valve. If you can keep it running with the pedal but not with out it is more than likely one of those has gone bad.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JHAYNE02
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 134,000 MILES
Lately when I go to start my van I turn the key and it starts for a second then shuts off. I have to keep my foot on the gas in order for it to start without shutting back off and I also have to rev up the engine before I can take my foot off the gas so I can put my foot on the brake in order to shift into drive or reverse. Also, sometimes after I have driven quite a ways it will stall when I come to a stop and then I have to do the same thing all over again.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Well I would check fuel pressure as a possibility and also suspect the torque convertor solenoid.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Did you say there is a check engine light on?
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KITT78
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I've encountered some problems with my transmission (Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
3.8 AWD year 2000 ).
I've already exchange transmissin oil three times (once with filter) Oil was
dirty and brownish but smells normally -(not burned). Now is Reddish clear.
I've exchanged Solenoid Pack (brand new)
I've checked by OBDII reader - but no transmission error codes

My main problem is:
When I start my car in the morning (engine is cold and aslo transmission
oil is cold; ambient temp. 15 Deg Celcius)

Engine works fine, idle approx 900 700rpm.

And after changing from PtoR or NtoD or NtoR (and all other combination
when cold - engine stops idle - dies,

-Then I start again engine try to put gear once again sometimes is good> and I can drive - no problems all day(until next morning)

- or sometimes I must afer changing gear to D or R quickly release brake -
- car is driving going forward or reverse.
If in last case if I push brake pedal just after releasing brake pedal
if not Engine will stop idle. But I if I push brake pedal after 100m of driving
it will be no problem all day long)

I was visiting couple mechanics (they dont have DRBII or DRBIII scanning
tool) - first diagnosis Solenoid Pack (it's replaced now brand new).
But after replacement no luck.

It could be in the valve body of the electronic
transaxle where there is a switch valve, a control valve and a regulator
valve all three related to the torque converter clutch.

How to check this Valves - if they are working correctly or not (after disassembly Valve body)?

Or how to diagnose that problem is Torque Converter.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
After 150,000 miles if the job was given to me or I owned it I would still do the same thing. I would first check the level and cond. Of the fluid, then check the PCM and TCM for codes. If none I would moniter all the clutches and test all the sol. Pack valves for function. Bt then I would know what I need to know.
While I had it out and apart I would clean out and check all the valves in the valve body to feel them. Then after the valve body was apart I would use croucus cloth to wipe them down and clean them, replacing any suspected parts. Not just the valves that are part of the torque converter clutch control system. All of them. I would not use a torque converter unless it was a new one. It's internal clutches are not serviceable any longer. I would already know that the solenoid pack was ok not because it was just replaced but because I tested it already before I took the unit out. Then I would seal and reclutch the unit and check all the gears. Since it is AWD it would take about an hour longer. Then I would backflush the cooler and lines replacing anything that failed. Flash or replace the TCM and using the DRBIII quicklearn the new TCM. Roadtest. If it was ok I would keep it overnight and check it cold. If ok then I would turn in the RO and the keys and start another one the same way.
The valve body valves are checked by working them in and out to see if they are sticking. The torque converter is checked using a stall test. The 150,000 miles fact is the most important evidence.
I hope everything turns out ok. They built that unit to last 100,000 miles at the most. There is no stall test that will point out the problem your having intermittantly, but the new converter must be broken in with either the DRBII or DRBIII. OK.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
I read your question and thought why is the transmission thought to be the problem? I said to my self if the engine was idling too low or had low power maybe there was a problem like a sensor or idle speed motor or dirt in that area, and what do I see, Yes you can clean it, and clean the bore that it mounts into and the blade and throat of the throttle body it screws into. You are on the ball.
But if the windings or controls for this motor are not correct, you can see it with the scanner. All day for years I repaired electronic transmissions and the torque converter locking up was a rare event. How does it run? Ch112063 my name is Joe
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KITT78
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The most interesting in my issue is:
that if I can start the engine and immediately change gear into D or R everything is working properly (max 1second delay). (RPM is dropping from approx 1750 to 1100 and 800 at finish) Gear is on when RPM are 1100 1300.

On the other hand when RPM drops to 800 and or I will wait for more the 2 5 seconds from the engine start and I put the gear on engine will die, even If I press acceleration pedal and rise rpm to 1100 or even 1500 engine will die.

Also I received some good advices from transmission specialist that Accumulator bushings/O-rings needs to be exchanged - and this could solve the problem.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
Go for it. I think you have 1. Low hydraulic trans. Pressure(o-ring may help). @. Problem with engine or converter. We will see what happens, thanks for the message. Joe
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOEY-D
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Kitt78, Did you get this figured out? I just installed a used tranny in my grand caravan and am having the exact same problem.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LETMECH
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Electrical Problem, 2000 Caravan - Battery warning light has been coming on and off recently. Green/Blue build up on positive post. Van started, and idled. When put into gear, engine died and won't start again. Measured 12VDC across posts. Cleaned posts and connectors. Still won't start. Have been having problems with tail and brake lights for about six months.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,741 POSTS
Hold the gas pedal down 1/4" to get it started. After disconnecting the battery, the Engine Computer will have to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will know when to be in control of idle speed and to give you the nice idle "flare-up" at start-up. To meet the conditions for the relearn to take place, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals. Next, measure the battery voltage with the engine running. If it is not between 13.75 and 14.75 volts, measure the voltages on the two small wires or terminals on the back of the alternator. The engine must be running during those measurements.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have the alternator load tested and check wiring back to the ignition switch
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LETMECH
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Tried to hold the pedal down 1/4" but still wouldn't start. Van was involved in an accident last year and damages the front end. May have some issue with wiring. Haven't dug into it yet. I was curious why the van started and idled, but died out when put in gear. This was before the battery was disconnected.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,741 POSTS
First check for blown fuses. If there is one blown, check the wiring harness under the battery tray. The normal rocking of the engine can cause that harness to slide back and forth and wear through the insulation and paint until a wire grounds out. Next, measure the voltage on the dark green / orange wire at the coil or coil pack, depending on the engine size, or any injector. You should see full battery voltage for just one second after a helper turns on the ignition switch. What's important is if that voltage comes back during engine cranking. If it does not, suspect the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LETMECH
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Thanks for the advice. You helped me a while back with a wheel problem on this van. I might have to wait a bit until I can get someone over to give me a hand with it. He is a pro mechanic that I swap HVAC favors with. I will share your ideas with him and hopefully get it done. Might be time to put the van to bed though. It's been problems lately.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)

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