trouble starting 1995 van when cold

[jmarl]

When the engine is cold it may take 5 - 10 minutes to start. After a while the ignition starts clicking and when the check engine light starts to blink it usually starts then after another 2 or 3 tries. Once it warms up it will continue to start with no problem. Once cold again the same thing happens. Changed the temperature sensor---no difference. Any suggestions?

[ggroff]

I have the exact same problem, I've found that the van starts fine when the outside temp is above 50 degrees. When the van won't start, I can use a heat gun to warm the engine computer, or just wrap my hands around it to warm it up. I am trying to find a good used one right now as a new computer is over $250. I'm 99% sure this is the problem.

[jeraco]

94 B250 3.9 A/T: I've been chasing the identical problem since late summer with one new twist. I just replaced the computer (used) yesterday and the symptoms are the same. Are all ECM's from this series defective or can it be something external? I'm showing a 45 fault code but can't pin that down exactly with my generic list. Help!!

[ggroff]

Originally Posted by jeraco

94 B250 3.9 A/T: I've been chasing the identical problem since late summer with one new twist. I just replaced the computer (used) yesterday and the symptoms are the same. Are all ECM's from this series defective or can it be something external? I'm showing a 45 fault code but can't pin that down exactly with my generic list. Help!!

After much searching, I've discovered that if you have the p/n 56028345 ECM you are essentially screwed. Two junkyards in my area told me they won't even pull them because after 100,000 miles they are all bad. Standard makes a replacement, it's around $250. Worst thing is, no one stocks it! Special order only, and no returns. The Dodge dealer doesn't even stock these, and they want $500 for one!

Here's how I tested mine and found it bad:
When the outside temp was around 20 degrees, I took the ECM out of the van and brought it inside overnight. The next morning with temps in the teens, I installed the ECM and the van fired right up and ran perfect! Diagnosis-- bad ECM. Temperature sensitive, probably a bad solder joint but.....THE DAMN THING IS FILLED WITH THAT $#%*& GEL AND YOU CAN'T GET AT IT!!!

I can honestly say that this is the last Chrysler product I will own, at least the last with an ECM. From the Lean Burn motors of the 70's to this pile of monkey do, MOPAR just can't seem to build electronics that work.

[ripzappa]

On those boxes that are numbered 5602 8345, you scrape away the goo from the upper left corner....there are 2 capacitors there - a 470 microfarad and a 220 microfarad as I recall..... replace those 2 capacitors and the problems are gone!.....I actually had to cut the plastic back of the plastic case to access the solder spots.... I know from experience that this repair WORKS! ...but DO NOT use caulking to fill the hole back in....it will heat up and burn out the board!...I know this from experience also.

[alloro]

Originally Posted by ripzappa

DO NOT use caulking to fill the hole back in....it will heat up and burn out the board!...I know this from experience also.

So what did you use to fill the hole in?