Sometimes it drives fine and sometimes the engine will start stalling?

Tiny
TRIFIVELOVER
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  • 2 POSTS
My brother just went through this same scenario. After $2300.00 later, it still does the same thing. The last mechanic ran a cylinder leak down test and is certain that there is a problem with the cylinder head. My brother has not decided what to do yet, since this will be another $750.00 cost. The computer has been removed and sent to a repair shop for analysis and nothing was found wrong. New cylinder head gaskets were installed, spark plugs, intake gaskets and etc. Still has the same symptoms.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:32 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MARKPRICE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
While driving on the freeway our 2003 Dodge Caravan stalled. After stopping on the side of the road and opening the hood I found a loose battery cable, which I tightened. I opened the fuse box next to the battery and checked the fuses. One 20 Amp fuse had blown, the "12 V Out Ignition or Battery" fuse. I replaced the fuse with a spare, started the car, and drove for about 2 miles. Again the car stalled. I thought I had solved the problem by tightening the loose battery cable and changing a blown fuse. I checked and the new fuse was good. I don't know if driving with a loose battery cable caused some other problem, but the car stalls when I drive it every mile or two. I'm stumped and hope that someone has something for me to try before I take it in to the dealer. The error code from holding in the trip button showed error 400.1, which I believe is an improper shutdown. Thank you.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
I would try to get the codes
and post them for more help
also check /replace ASD relay
check /replace crank sensor
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MARKPRICE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The error code is 400.1 which I understand to be "improper shutdown". What happens is the car starts and runs for 10 minutes, then stalls. There is no power to the plugs (no spark) and the power to the fuel pump doesn't turn on. It seems that some electronic part that involves enabling the spark and the fuel pump power is at fault.

I took your advice and swapped out the ASD relay. The problem still persisted. I haven't checked/replaced the crank sensor.

I am weighing whether to take the caravan to the local Dodge dealer or to go to an automotive fixit shop. I'm leaning towards going to the dealer at this point. Thanks.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
I would go for the crank sensor and replace
the code you gave are you sure of it
do u have P 0000 code
let me know
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE CARAVAN
My car engine light came on autozone check it and said it was the oxygen sensor. I waited a few month to fix it cause I did not have the money. Cause I waited my car stated acting funny giving me problems starting sucking up alot of gas etc. Today I got the money to get it fix and was driving to take it in and my car turn off while driving steering wheel lock could not even turn the car to the side of the road. I then try turn the key for the car to turn on but it did not. Just the lights and radio came on. What is wrong with my car know please help.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,870 POSTS
You will not lose the steering when the engine stalls. You will just lose the power assist and you'll need both hands to turn the steering wheel. If you aren't familiar with that, try coasting through an empty parking after turning the engine off so you know what to do in an emergency like you just had.

When the Engine Computer detects a problem, it sets a diagnostic fault code. It will also turn on the Check Engine light if that problem could have an adverse affect on emissions. In the case of using more fuel, that increases emissions. Besides the increased fuel consumption, there's another problem with waiting to have it repaired. There is always a long list of conditions that must be met to set a fault code. One of those conditions is that certain other codes are not already set. The computer constantly compares numerous things to each other to figure out when something is wrong. If it sees a problem with a circuit, it knows it can't use that as a reference for other circuits so those other circuits may not get tested while you're driving. When you finally get the first problem fixed, the computer can resume all of its self-tests. That's when a code for a totally new problem could show up and the Check Engine light will turn on again. You just paid to have a problem solved and the light is still on. What you don't realize is this is a new problem that your mechanic had no way of knowing about earlier.

The next thing to be aware of is fault codes never say to replace parts, in this case, one of the oxygen sensors. They only indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis. You didn't list the engine size or mileage so I can't tell you how many different oxygen sensors you have but it will be at least two. If the mileage is relatively low it is much more likely there is a wiring problem related to one of the sensors than a bad sensor. Only diagnosing the circuit will tell for sure. About 50 percent of the time replacing the sensor will not solve the problem.
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Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 11:33 AM (Merged)

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