1997 Dodge Caravan "service engine soon"

JAY R.

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
162,000 MILES

Hi there,
got a light that says "service engine soon" but after a tune-up, the light is still there! When chek'd, codes PO302-(cylinder 2 misfire) & PO743-(torque converter clutch electrical malfunction) appeared. Is this a major concern? Can I still run my van? A little help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

6 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check the compression and injector for no.2 cylinder and also the TCC solenoid wire harness-

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Monday, July 21st, 2008 AT 7:56 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

You should definitly attend to these.

Were the codes checked before the tune up?

What tune up parts were replaced?

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Monday, July 21st, 2008 AT 7:57 PM

JAY R.

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi again,
re-tune up, code PO302 appr'd on OBD & spark plugs, cap & rotor, wires & PCV valve were replaced. But after driving 2 miles, the light went ON again! I've tried to reset by detaching the battery terminal for 30 mins then putting it back. Click ON & OFF the ignition for 4x then start the engine, it works! But after driving around the block, it came back again. Went to see the mechanic who did the tune-up & read his scanner "PO302" again & "PO743" appeared! He told me he will look onto the problem but it will take about 4 hrs to diagnose thoroughly, it means a lot of money. Right now, the van still runs good! Except for the light sensor. Will it be good if I still use the van to work? I still trying to save more. Thanks for your time to answer me! Hope to hear from you!

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Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 AT 12:42 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Ask your guy to diagnose one at a time since money is tight.

Start with the misfire. Like Raz says, a compression test on the cylinder would be a good start. The injectors can be swapped with another cylnder and/or ohmed out.

I don't think driving this with this code is a good idea, regardless how it runs. It not only will affect gas mileage, but can start to cause more damage

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Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 AT 4:59 AM

JAY R.

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Wow! You guys are awesome! Thanks a lot! I'll try to bring my van today & get it done. Atleast, now I can share something to my mechanic. I will sure recommend this forum to my friends & relatives. More power to you guys! I'll get back to you after my van is fixed!