1997 Chrysler Town and Country Cold Start

ARP0910

MEMBER
1997 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
122,000 MILES

My van wont start when it is below freezing. I have had the battery replaced, new spark plugs, crankshaft, oil change, and replaced the fuel pump. The oil is really dirty for 3 weeks old. After all repairs done, got code on check engine light of P1391.

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi arp0910,

Thank you for the donation.

P1391 = Intermittent loss of CMP or CKP.

Since the problem is weather related, the most likely cause would be contaminated terminal joints. Unplug the CMP and CKP connectors to check for contaminataions or loose connections.

Is your vehicle a 3.3 or 3.8 L engine?

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Thursday, December 31st, 2009 AT 12:02 PM

ARP0910

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3 POSTS

It is a 3.8L. This summer I replaced the cam sensor and with these multiple repairs one of the mechanics put in a new crankshaft. I am completely exhausted w $1200 in shop repairs.

Is it strange too that my oil is getting dirty so soon after change?

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Thursday, December 31st, 2009 AT 12:07 PM

KHLOW2008

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You would have to check the wiring circuit for the sensor since they have been replaced. Sometimes connectors between the ECM and sensor might get contaminated over time due to presence of water.

As to the oil getting dirty, only when engine is new would the oil remain clear after some usage. For used engines, they would appear dirty after running for a short while and that should not be anything to worry about, unless the oil quality has deteriorated.

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Thursday, December 31st, 2009 AT 12:26 PM

ARP0910

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you very much for your information. Chrysler was the last shop to have the van and they did the fuel pump replacement. I called them back with the code after getting it home again and the mechanic has no idea. I had it towed back there and it started for them. Because it was 34 degrees ooutside.

Again Thank you! I am just trying to decide whether or not to keep paying for this van? $1200 in repairs is more then it is worth!

Thank you !
Aimee

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Thursday, December 31st, 2009 AT 12:34 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Aimee,

It sure is a dilemma if you are not able to ascertain if the problem is repairable and how much more time and money you need to throw in.

If the code is consistent, I would say it is definitely possible to get to the bottom of it. Since you have it at Chrysler, get them to install a diagnostic scanner to test and get the freeze frame data if possible. The freeze frame data would have all the information as to what malfunctioned when the problem occurred.