1996 Dodge Caravan 96 Dodge Caravan ALMOST KILLED/ENGINE SH

Tiny
INTEARS
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Is rasmataz out there?Have browsed his answers & they are impressive! Service Engine Soon light on for about a month. Driving 75 mph and car just shut off. No warning, noise, stuttering. Did not overheat. Instrumental panel was blank. Coasted off freeway and it started right back up. Drove a mile and it shut down again. Had it towed and diagnosed P0743. Water pump had just been replaced. "Brain Box" checked its o.K. Had neutral/safety lock up switch replaced. Battery is 6 mos new. Spark plugs ok. Coil pack ok. Guy who is trying to fix is so frustrated. We even replaced catalyc converter. What can I do? My son and I were almost killed by oncoming freeway traffic.
Sunday, November 16th, 2008 AT 10:48 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
JASONRAY
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
That code you mentioned is the Torque Converter Clutch solenoid circuit. There could be a problem in the transmission with the electircal parts. If that circuit shorts, it could be killing the engine somehow. I wouldn't think that the engine would stall if the torque converter locks up at highway speeds so something's going on electrically. This may or MAY NOT be related to your condition. I've seen numerous vehicles have similar codes and the vehicle runs fine. But, going by the information you provided, that's the code description.

Also, there's a relay called the 'Auto-Shut down' relay. It provides power to the injectors as well as the ignition coil. Perhaps there's a bad connection internally at the relay and if that circuit is interrupted, the vehicle will die, just like you turned the key off. The injectors will stop firing and so will the coil. It CAN be intermittent and cause problems just like you've described. You can trade the relay with another relay in the relay box. Most of them should be the same relay. Trade it with the horn relay if they're the same. Drive it and see if the problem is still there. If not, I bet the horn will only work intermittently. Hopefully that's it. If not, repost and we'll give it another try.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
INTEARS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Am trying to get ahold of guy whose working on car but one question, is the auto relay shut down switch the same as the lockup/neutral safety switch which is located under the trans? He already replaced. Could it be a cam/crank sensor problem or fuel filter?
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:57 PM

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