1997 Dodge Caravan Rough or slow idle

LMAGNELLI

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

Have a single-owner 1997 Dodge Caravan SE that has been really well maintained. Last week it started surging and lurching and idling rough. It cut out at an intersection. Ran okay about a week. Then it did the same thing and the next day it wouldn't start. Had contacted a mechanic by then and had appt so had it towed in. Thought it was the tranny but a zillion codes popped up! O2 sensor, map, TPS, you name it. Have had fuel pump replaced (twice in one year), mother board a few years ago, O2 sensor 2 years ago again, also said my relays were not talking to each other. They got the car started again but it did it again. They had it a full week and picked it up today. It just did the same thing. I change oil every 3K miles, use high mileage oil, had the tranny services, new radiator and water pump 6 months ago. Any suggestions?

1 Reply

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

If you don't mind and you remember I would like you to give me this information the powertrain stored. Each and every code and the number of starts since each occurred. I know it sounds crazy but please humor me on this. You replaced the PCM alreadt? You mentioned motherboard? There is a 5 volt supply that is common to both O2 sensores the TPS, MAP, and the ground is also common to these and the PCM itself. Also a transmission output sensor uses this splice. There is a bulletin about the wiring harness touching a ground source near the transmission oil pan. It requires a repair with a small bracket that holds the wires out of the way. This keeps these wires(both 5 volt and ground) away from touching the metal and scraping through the wire. The bracket pkg. # Is 05101812AA. And the bulletin number is 08-014-03. It was a rather large problem and has to be looked at by the dealer if the mini-van(3.3 or 3.8L) comes in at anytime for service. No Recall, just a service bulletin and check. If you can, get back to me about the codes. Thanx and good luck. I just hope the correct PCM was installed. Ok sir.