This is common on all vehicles. The automatic shutdown (ASD) relay is turned on by the Engine Computer for one second after turning on the ignition switch, then again when it sees engine rotation, (cranking or running). It knows that by the signals from the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor in the distributor. It is common for those sensors to fail when they get warm, and work again when they cool down.
Start by checking for diagnostic fault codes. There might be one pointing to the failing circuit. There are other potential causes but in this case the sensor itself is the main suspect. Chrysler makes reading fault codes yourself real easy:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks
You must cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds.
The crankshaft position sensor is in the transmission bell housing right behind the right cylinder head, and has the higher failure rate. Be aware, if you replace it, there will be a thick paper spacer on the end of it to set the critical air gap, or it will have a thin plastic rib molded onto the end. If you install a used sensor, you're to cut off the remaining part of the rib if that's what it has, and use a new paper spacer.
SPONSORED LINKS
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013 AT 9:20 PM
