1997 Dodge Caravan "service engine soon"

162,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JAY R.
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
hi there,
got a light that says "service engine soon" but after a tune-up, the light is still there! when chek'd, codes PO302-(cylinder 2 misfire) & PO743-(torque converter clutch electrical malfunction) appeared. Is this a major concern? can I still run my van? a little help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Jul 21, 2008 at 12:51 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Check the compression and injector for no.2 cylinder and also the TCC solenoid wire harness-
Jul 21, 2008 at 12:56 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
You should definitly attend to these.

Were the codes checked before the tune up?

What tune up parts were replaced?
Jul 21, 2008 at 12:57 PM
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JAY R.
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
hi again,
re-tune up, code PO302 appr'd on OBD & spark plugs, cap & rotor, wires & PCV valve were replaced. But after driving 2 miles, the light went ON again! I've tried to reset by detaching the battery terminal for 30 mins then putting it back. Click ON & OFF the ignition for 4x then start the engine, it works! But after driving around the block, it came back again. Went to see the mechanic who did the tune-up & read his scanner "PO302" again & "PO743" appeared! He told me he will look onto the problem but it will take about 4 hrs to diagnose thoroughly, it means a lot of money. Right now, the van still runs good! Except for the light sensor. Will it be good if I still use the van to work? I still trying to save more. Thanks for your time to answer me! Hope to hear from you!
Jul 21, 2008 at 5:42 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
Ask your guy to diagnose one at a time since money is tight.

Start with the misfire. Like Raz says, a compression test on the cylinder would be a good start. The injectors can be swapped with another cylnder and/or ohmed out.

I don't think driving this with this code is a good idea, regardless how it runs. It not only will affect gas mileage, but can start to cause more damage
Jul 21, 2008 at 9:59 PM
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JAY R.
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
wow! You guys are awesome! Thanks a lot! I'll try to bring my van today & get it done. Atleast, now I can share something to my mechanic. I will sure recommend this forum to my friends & relatives. More power to you guys! I'll get back to you after my van is fixed!
Jul 22, 2008 at 1:24 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
Glad to be of service. I'm sure your shop is quite capable of keeping you on track!
Jul 22, 2008 at 2:08 AM
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