1998 Dodge Caravan Van

GUTTERUD

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
236,000 MILES

Van drives 300 miles, stops to turn rt. Pushing accelerator in Drive causes van to die. Again and Again. Works in Low but not right, like almost gonna die. Gets to a shop like this. Turn the key off, starts and works wonderful for almost a week.
Then while driving sounded funny slowed to turn around and van won't go forward or reverse. Turn the key off left overnight. Went to tow, started it up. Sounds like power steering pump is squealing. Left running while towed. Got home unhooked tow rope and van drove forward and reversed also sounded great.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi:
Does the problem seem to be engine or trans related? If trans, are you sure the fluid is full? If engine, is the check engine light on?

Joe

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Thursday, February 5th, 2009 AT 7:16 PM

GUTTERUD

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2 POSTS

Has to be transmission related. The fluid is full. The first incident was explained to me as a hiccup. The service engine light did not come on but the fluid (idiot light) on the dash did light up each time the van died. I say fluid cause it looks like a gravy boat with a drip off of it. Possible it is just an oil light. Which I had the oil changed the day before that first incident happened and both oil and transmission fluids are FULL. I wasn't with the van during the second incident. The driver doesn't remember if any idiot lights came on or not.

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Thursday, February 5th, 2009 AT 7:24 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

If the trans is really dirty, you may want to service it. But honestly, this sound computer related if the engine dies and then it won't move when you put it in gear. When this happens, dies the engine rev when it is in gear and not moving?

Also, it's normal for the oil light to come on when the eng dies. It is just telling you there is no longer oil pressure.

Joe

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Thursday, February 5th, 2009 AT 8:01 PM

GUTTERUD

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2 POSTS

It didn't die the second incident I believe the 2 incidents are related. I do agree it is a computer problem. But was hoping you could pin point a few sensors or something related to the transmission allowing the vehicle to move since sometimes it completely fails to go. Yes the engine revs even when the van doesn't move while in any gear. Tech didn't say transmission fluid looked dirty when oil was changed. It looks red and doesn't smell burnt.

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Thursday, February 5th, 2009 AT 8:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi:

A speed sensor, shift solenoid or the computer itself could cause this. However, these are guesses at this point and I don't want you to spend money unnecessaryly.

Joe