Check engine light for Dodge Caravan SE

Tiny
DODGEOWNER
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  • DODGE CARAVAN
Hi, is there a way I can get the codes needed for repair when the 'check engine light' turns on without going to the shop? They are asking for $85/hour to run diagnostic test and it seems so expensive.
Monday, March 19th, 2007 AT 7:11 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
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You can get a code reader and we can try to help here. It can get more expensive doing it yourself at times, but we are willing to help. Getting the codes is the tip of the iceberg.
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Monday, March 19th, 2007 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
TDFABER
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My local AutoZone store will check it for free. Of course, sometimes you get what you pay for.
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Thursday, March 22nd, 2007 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
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All you need from them are the codes numbers, take thier " diagnoisis" advice with a grain of salt.
Post your codes, and we'll see what we can do.
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Friday, March 23rd, 2007 AT 4:32 AM
Tiny
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Hi, I went to autozone and they gave me a free reading. Thanks a lot for the help. Here's the code I got, its P0465
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Monday, March 26th, 2007 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
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What year and motor size?
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Tuesday, March 27th, 2007 AT 4:55 AM
Tiny
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Its a dodge caravan 2003 SE. 3.3L V6 engine. I made a mistake on the code. Its P0456 instead.
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Tuesday, March 27th, 2007 AT 9:35 PM
Tiny
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IT is a medium leak in the evaporative system. This may be a loose gas cap or a gas cap seal that is bad. However it may not be that simple and may require the system to be tested. There is a tsb about this that related to replacing the pcm.
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Wednesday, March 28th, 2007 AT 5:29 AM
Tiny
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This will mean that I need to go to the dealership to have this serviced? Is there a way to do this by myself?
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Thursday, March 29th, 2007 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
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I am inclined to recommend taking it to an independent shop that is up to speed on diagnosing. I may be able to locate one in your area, or help you to. A shop is only as good as the staff-that includes dealers. There are some good bad and ugly in all of the industry.

If you replaced the gas cap, and put the tank at 3/4 full. Then drive normally for a few days, that MAY solve it. This isn't a problem that is going to need immediate attention.

What will be tough for you to go after it yourself it may be the tools of the trade, such as possibly a smoke machine ( a machine that injects smoke into the evap system and exposes leaks, or if there is a faulty computer ( which may come down to a guess) or a scanner that can operate the system. NOt to mention the knowlege of the system.

I'll help where I can, as you like. Ask away and I'll try :)
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Thursday, March 29th, 2007 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
C.HERRERA
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You can check your own codes in your own van key in ignition your going to turn the only to the on position that turns on your lights. Not all the way on. On off on off on (kinda fast) wait a sec and the code or codes will show where your mileage shows when it is done with your codes it will say done. This only works on dodge
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Thursday, July 27th, 2017 AT 7:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, July 28th, 2017 AT 4:47 PM

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