Possible fuel problem/wiring harness

JENJOHNNY2011

MEMBER
2003 DODGE CARAVAN
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

About two weeks ago my van started smelling like the catalytic converter was stopped up once it got hot, then a couple days ago it started cutting out and sputtering acting like it did not want to go no matter how much gas you gave it and not you can smell that it is fuel or exhaust. Most of the time it will go, not smoothly, after it warms up a little but acts like it does not want to idle, but does not shut off and is using an awful amount of gas. Also, today my power steering decided it did not want to work unless the pedal is mashed buy could be unrelated. Was told the problem is that the wires on the inside of the fuel injector wiring harness are melted as is causing the problem.

Saturday, September 29th, 2018 AT 9:06 PM

3 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I am Danny.

Let me ask this first. With these symptoms happening is the Check Engine Light on? A code might be stored in your cars computer. Having the code checked is a great way to start diagnosis of your car's problem. If you do not have access to a code reader/scanner your local auto part stores (AutoZone, Pep Boys, O'Reilly's) will check for free. If you get back to us with the code number(s) we will be happy to help. I have attached a tutorial showing what is involved with checking codes. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

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Saturday, September 29th, 2018 AT 9:52 PM

JENJOHNNY2011

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Danny, thanks for the quick response. No, I have not had the codes checked as of yet, I am in a rural area and a parts store is a ways away from me and I am kind of scared to try to drive that far. The check engine light did come on and stay on the day it started sputtering real bad, but not before, not even when the smell started, and has not went off since.

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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 8:36 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Even though the light only flashes sporadically there will still be a code stored. After you have the code(s) read get back to me and we will be happy to begin the diagnosis process. The code information really does help and is necessary to properly identify the problem(s). Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM