1997 Dodge Grand Caravan

BGJLOANS

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN

I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan SE AWD. It has 145000 miles on it. The last 3 weeks when driving, all of a sudden it feels like there is a loss of power AND the car slows down and the engine revs as if I was putting it into a lower gear. Once stopped, the engine runs badly and if I force it to drive, I can only manage 5 to 7 MPH. After I let it sit running, or shut it off, or keep forcing it to drive, it all of a sudden will run completely fine again! The problem has happened over and over again lately. Upon scanning the codes, 0300,0171,0302,0306, I replaced the coil, and it ran fine, for 1 day and now the problem is back. If I clear the codes, nothing shows up again until the problem returns, and then if I force it to run the codes return. Todays code was 0134, an O2 sensor. I have had it at 2 different shops plus the Dodge/Chrysler dealership and the cannot find anything wrong and have not been able to duplicate the problem. ANY IDEAS. PLEASE!

1 Reply

BETTYCHAT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The problem you describe sounds like you need to replace the two transaxle sensors (input and output). When these sensors "go bad", the van goes into what is termed "limp" mode to protect the transmission. If you force the van to run at normal speed, the engine will be damaged. I've had the same problem with my '99 van.