1997 Dodge Caravan At wits end

Tiny
JIM1955
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
The check engine light came on. The code reffered to the Camshaft position sensor. I found out that this is a generic code with several possibilities. I've already changed out the camshaft sensor and the crankshaft sensor. The problem still exists. Here is the problem. The van starts fine and runs good. However, after driving a short distance the van will die. We restart and go on. It might do this a few times during the day. The next problem. As we drive the van will "jerk" as thought it has a loss of power. The check engine light will come on and then go off. No code is registered. This has been happening more frequently. I am out of ideas.
Saturday, June 19th, 2010 AT 5:54 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Crank sensor?
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Saturday, June 19th, 2010 AT 11:09 PM
Tiny
JIM1955
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  • 5 POSTS
I just checked fuel pressure and it's right where it's suppose to be. Nothing wrong there. I also changed both the crank sensor and the cam sensor. I've had a few people tell me it might be the engine control module?
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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Is it possible to get the code that indicated the cam sensor was bad? That way I can look some things up and better guide you. So many things could be causing this problem.
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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 11:29 PM
Tiny
JIM1955
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  • 5 POSTS
The code # is P0340 " Camshaft Position Sensor A - Bank 1 Circuit Malfunction".
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
That is odd. I thought they only had one sensor for the cams. What size engine do you have? When it says bank one, that indicates there are two of them which makes no sense to be. Also, have you checked the wiring and connectors to make sure they are in good condition and not corroded? Usually, when it says circuit malfunction and you replaced the part and still have the same code, it is a wiring problem.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 AT 10:30 PM
Tiny
JIM1955
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The code only came on one time. It's when the van jerks that the check engine light comes on for a second and then goes off. No codes come up. It seems that when the van is started for the first time for the day, it will without fail stall either after it idles for about a minute or just after we come to a stop. I don't know if they are related but the dieing part started right after the engine light started coming on. I just had someone tell me it might be the fuel filter. I haven't changed it in about 10 years.
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 AT 1:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
It could be something that simple. Have you checked fuel pump pressure? If not, here is a how to for checking it. It contains directions and a video. You will need a pressure gauge. Most parts stores will lend or rent them to you. Check the pressure and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm
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Thursday, June 24th, 2010 AT 12:04 AM
Tiny
JIM1955
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
One thing I failed to mention. When the "jerk" happens when I'm driving, the check engine light comes on and the gauges start to shut down. As soon as it smoothes out (appx. 2-3 seconds) all gauges are fine. Just like nothing happened.
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Monday, July 5th, 2010 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
CAR-ADY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi,
I have the same problem with my car. In the morning everething is ok, it's going ok for a wile, but sudenly can stop and block everithing. Have to be restart to go on again. Some days it's staps five times, some days don't stop at all. Somebody told me that can be the batery. But how?
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Monday, July 5th, 2010 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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That sounds electrical. Have you ever checked the alt gauge when driving? And to the other post, yes a weak battery can cause the problem.

If the battery is good, you may want to have the body control module checked.
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Monday, July 5th, 2010 AT 8:44 PM

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