Crankshaft position sensor?

If you can tell me how to check for spark without having to remove the intake manifold I will do it next time it happens. The check engine light does not come on. I have been watching the dash and I have not noticed any other problem. When the van does start, it runs fine and smooth. It might be a heat related problem, but I'm not sure. What do you mean by testing the ignition switch? Do you mean the dash switch, the key fob, or something under the hood?

Today was very warm out and I had a problem starting twice. I took it to my mechanic and it finally did not start for him as well. He went to check the fuel pressure and when he disconnected the fuel line he said it was like cutting the end of a hose off of an air compressor. He got a sudden and violent release of fuel vapour. He checked the fuel pump and it was working properly and when he reconnected the fuel line, the van started properly. Our thought is it is vapour locking. We are not sure why it is vapour locking. Anyone have any thoughts?

Today we checked the fuel line from the gas tank to the engine and could not find anything amiss. No fuel leaks, etc. The only conclusion we can come up with is that there is a problem with the crankset senor so Installed a new unit have not had the issue since thank you.

I have my van opened up right now and having a hard time locating the crankshaft position sensor to replace it. Possibly have any photos or diagrams to help? Or GPS directions.

Thanks for the information. I did some intensive searching with my digital camera and found it tucked in that uncomfortable position under the exhaust.

I am trying to solve a mystery though. It continues to smell like it is flooded after several seconds of trying to start. On occasion it will start right up, but mostly it winds several times before starting.

I have changed the o2 sensors, the EGR, the crank shaft sensor, put in new spark plugs and still no resolve. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

I did not know my arm could bend in so many directions. I decided to take out the battery and swung the battery tray toward the hood so that I had more elbow room.

I will look into the temperature sensor. Each time you start the engine and it has to "wind" up before starting, immediately after it smells like excess gasoline. When I was under the hood yesterday, I took the air filter box off so I could find the camshaft sensor and the same odor drifted out of the air intake.

Thanks for your help. I cannot tell you how much it is appreciated. I bought this van thinking it was a good deal, but I have ended up with a lot of work instead. Hopefully as I knock each one off, it will become a better vehicle!

Jeff

I do have one major issue I am trying to solve. I realize that it could be several different things. Ideas are helpful though.

We have always had a fill up issue. We can only put about 1 to 1-1/2 gallons of fuel at a time before the neck fills up and shuts off the pump. It seems to be getting worse. It has been mentioned that there is a "burp" valve on the burp tube up next to the top of the filler neck. They said that if I can get to that and clean it out with carburetor cleaner that it should be okay then.

I have read online where there is a splash back issue with these vans and other related Chrysler's. Have you heard of this and any common fixes?

Thanks again for your time.

Thanks again! I think that I will take a look at the fuel neck and hope there is a vent on that tube. Look for any blockage on that vent line and try to clean it out.

I really appreciate your input and will let you know what I find.

Enjoy the day!

I have a 2005 T&C with the 3.3L and got a code saying the crank position sensor was going bad. I bought the sensor and cant find anything that looks like it on that motor. I did find the cam sensor and thought it would be around the right area but not having much luck. Any help would save me the wife is getting tired of having to drive my truck.

Just thought I would let you know that I have changed the air temperature sensor and the cam shaft sensor, neither one worked on the engine starting issue.

I have talked with a friend that works for Dodge. His mechanic thinks it may be a valve in the tank or the vapor canister solenoid. I am taking it to them the Saturday after this. Hopefully I will be able to continue to get gas into it until then.

I changed the shocks last night and a new sound (rattle) is coming from the back right side as I drive. I lifted the rear passenger side wheel well by hand and could hear a rattle also. Not sure what It is. If you have ideas or thoughts, would appreciate it.

I am guessing a loose bolt to the springs or a cross member? Maybe a bushing?

Thanks. I will let you know what the guys find out next weekend.

Update:
Had the van in to Chrysler. The tank was dropped down and discovered that someone had previously broken the plastic tube leading out of the vacuum pump and tried to cover it by gluing this piece back together. Very possibly happened about four months ago when another dealership changed out the fuel pump. I will have to replace the fuel tank.

Still having a start up issue that seems to be an overage of fuel coming into the engine before it will ignite and start the engine. Changed the spark plugs to Champion double platinum's, but still no change. Getting new spark plug wires next week.

I am running out of ideas for this issue.

My terrible clanging noise was the front bushing on the passenger leaf spring. Do not know if it was loose or not, but was told about how they need to be torqued to around 65 lbs.

Any thoughts about the start up issue would be appreciated. Thanks for your help and ideas over the past few weeks!