caravan stalling out

bttur · 09-20-2008, 04:18 PM

Have a 96 dodge grand caravan w/ 166k miles that keeps killing every so many miles. It started a few weeks ago while driving it felt like it was about to stall rpm's went down to 0 then it came back to normal.I didn't have anymore problems so I thought it might be bad gas, but yesterday it was running good then suddenly the engine died without warning. No check engine light . Tried starting it back up, but would not turn over. After about 15 minutes it started back up then died a few miles down the road ( just made it home). Waited about the same amount of time and it started back up. Anyone have an idea were to start troubleshooting. I performed a tune up on van a year ago changing spark plugs, wires, and coil pack so I don't think it is misfiring.

Bear · 09-20-2008, 07:07 PM

Had a similar problem with my '98 Neon, she died would sit for a while then she would restart and 15-20 minutes later she would die , and the sequence repeated itself. No codes so I was stuck, finally got it to and indy tech and we hooked up a scanner and started her up and waited for her to die, she then coded a crankshaft position sensor, replaced that and two years later she runs fine.

RIP · 09-20-2008, 07:29 PM

I'll second that: http://www.autozone.com/shopping/rep...00c1528003c4f6

Might check the harness and connection before you fork over the $30-$50.

bttur · 09-25-2008, 08:04 PM

Finally was able to bring it to autozone and they scanned as code 54 no cam signal to PCM will start off changing out camshaft position sensor ($40) and see if this solves problem.

RIP · 09-25-2008, 11:59 PM

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/rep...00c1528003c4eb

bttur · 10-04-2008, 07:52 PM

Just wanted to follow up on my post. Waited awhile to make sure I had problem solved before putting up final post. Since changing out the camshaft position sensor I have not had anymore problems with van stalling out. When I took the old sensor out it was missing the felt spacer that haynes manual said should be there and the new one had. According to manual this needs to be there to keep a certain clearance if not it reads wrong then it causes cylinders to misfire which then tells the automactic shutdown something is wrong and shutdowns fuel pump. Thanks for everyones help.

RIP · 10-05-2008, 03:15 AM

Glad to hear your headache is over. Congrats on the fix. Just curious. Was the new sensor an OEM Chrysler sensor or an aftermarket sensor bought at AutoZone or some similar store? Someone on another forum just spent several weeks troubleshooting a code 54. He replaced the cam sensor twice using aftermarket sensors. Still had the code. Wound up installing a 3rd sensor, this time an OEM sensor from the dealer and all was well.

FYI - Correct, the spacer is there to provide the correct clearance during installation. However, when you start the engine the spacer is torn away during the first revolutions of the camshaft. You should not have seen the spacer on the old sensor. The required clearance is maintained because you tightened the bolt during installation with the spacer in place. When the spacer is torn away, the required clearance is still there.

bttur · 10-27-2008, 04:58 PM

Yes sensor was OEM dealership one. Autozone did not have sensor so I had to go to dealer. Part was about $42. Sounds like it worked out better for me going to dealer.

RIP · 10-27-2008, 11:21 PM

Yes, someone may be watching over you. My rule of thumb? If it's an electrical part go OEM. Thanks for the info.

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD