1999 Dodge Caravan van locks up during driving

TRICOCYST

MEMBER
1999 DODGE CARAVAN
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

We have a 99 dodge grand caravan with a 3.3 and we have had a few problems with it recently. Like when we are driving it will without warning just lock up and it feels like it pushes forward for a second then bam it stops and you can drive again. But during that time it says "Service Engine Soon" the light pops up and then you can continue all happens with in like a 5-8 second time frame. Adn we also have noticed we keep having to replace the anti-freeze like every other day not sure if that could have anything to do with it? And also we have noticed some problems with the EGR valve getting all nasty and clogged so we had it cleaned about 3 times and finally got aggravated and bought a new one and it still continues to clog.

1 Reply

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

You probably have a leak somewhere either outside or internally in the engine causing an overheating problem. When hot the engine can tighten up like it has no gas, it will slow and come to a stop, there could be other torque converter problems. Its best to pressure test it for leaks and a bad head gasket and check the engine and transmission codes. The heat could be causing all this to happen. I wouldn't drive it unless it is full and keep some extra water in the van with you until you have it serviced and they scan the computers for fault codes. At 160,000 miles, it may be expensive to fix and time to decide to trade it in for a new van. Ok