1996 Dodge Caravan warm weather starting

Tiny
MWB88
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I have a 96 caravan. Last summer when it was hot out side I could start it right up and drive forever with no problem. If I just ran to the store and shut it off, when I would start it it would idle rough and the if I gave it a lot of pedal it would just choke. I had to feather the pedal to get the rpms up while in park. I would rev it up real high and then when I put it in drive it would do a little better but still weak and chokey.



one day I came home from work and jumped in the shower. I went back out to go get my kid from daycare and the damn thing wouldn't start. Finally it started and died. I couldn't feather the pedal at all it just died out on me. I ran to the gas station and bought some starting spray. I sprayed it in the air filter and it started right up. So I carried the spray with me the rest of the summer and used it when I needed it which was anytime I shut it off and started it back up within the hour.



as the weather cooled it quit doing it. Then as it got cold it was really hard to start. There were really cold days where I turned it over so much I thought the battery would die before it finally started but once it started it was okay.



so now the weather is getting better and it starts easier but we had a 70 degree day the other day and sure enough I come out of the store and it starts up and rough idles again. Had to feather the pedal to get the rpms up. It feels like if I get it rev up real high its like im "blowing it out" and then I can drive it but its still a little chokey and week power.



im broke and a single dad with two kids. I really hope these symptoms stick out to someone and I can be pointed in the right direction. Thanks for reading.
Sunday, April 5th, 2015 AT 9:37 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge autoparts rent it. They can also scan for codes.
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Sunday, April 5th, 2015 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
MWB88
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Codes are multiple misfires and bank 1 system too lean. Also o2 bank 1 sensor 2
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Sunday, April 5th, 2015 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Dowhat I've said in first reply low fuel pressure can cause that. If pressure ok have apro diagnose the misfire as a lot of differen tthings can cause it like a bad sensor someplace as well as injectors or basic engine problems
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Monday, April 6th, 2015 AT 6:56 AM
Tiny
MWB88
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I guess I could rent the pressure checker when I get paid. Will it do any good to check it now while its cool outside or should I wait for a hot day and do it when it starts acting up?
As for a pro, ill be walking for quite some time before I can afforf that. ;)
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Monday, April 6th, 2015 AT 7:43 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If it's ok when you test it then you'll have to test it when it acts up but I kind of think it's the pump but until it's tested you really don't know.
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Monday, April 6th, 2015 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
MWB88
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I thought it might be the pump last summer but I figured it would have gone out by now 7 months later and 8000 miles.
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Monday, April 6th, 2015 AT 9:41 AM

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