96 Caravan Misfiring --Need Help!!
DL944
04-18-2004, 08:37 AM
Hi All,
I've recently acquired a 96 Grand Caravan SE with 95,000 miles. Its the 3.3 engine. Recently the SES light came on. From this discussion forum, I learned how to obtain the codes. Displayed a 43. Went to Autozone and they scanned the codes (P0353). I had no driveability problems. I replaced the ignition coil pack. SES light went out. Van ran normal. After 2 short errands that day, the SES light came back on and the engine began misfiring. At times, the SES light would flash, then go steady. Codes read were: P0300 & P0353. I replaced the spark plug wires and spark plugs. Still misfired. I decided to bring it to a Dodge dealership to have it looked at. When departing for the dealership, the engine started and ran normal; SES was still on steady. Next day dealership ran codes, not misfiring for them. In light of my repairs; they wanted to replace the PCM at $450. I said no because they could guarantee the problem would be fixed. For the last week or so this misfiring has been an intermittant problem. I've read most past posts. Areas of concern are:
Fuel pump going bad
Fuel injector (s) going bad
Fuel filter clogged
Crank sensor failing
I don't like replacing parts not knowing if it will fix the problem especially since this engine is very difficult to work on (space). I'm tempted to bring it an independent repair facility for a second opinion. Can anyone out there provide me some direction???
I've recently acquired a 96 Grand Caravan SE with 95,000 miles. Its the 3.3 engine. Recently the SES light came on. From this discussion forum, I learned how to obtain the codes. Displayed a 43. Went to Autozone and they scanned the codes (P0353). I had no driveability problems. I replaced the ignition coil pack. SES light went out. Van ran normal. After 2 short errands that day, the SES light came back on and the engine began misfiring. At times, the SES light would flash, then go steady. Codes read were: P0300 & P0353. I replaced the spark plug wires and spark plugs. Still misfired. I decided to bring it to a Dodge dealership to have it looked at. When departing for the dealership, the engine started and ran normal; SES was still on steady. Next day dealership ran codes, not misfiring for them. In light of my repairs; they wanted to replace the PCM at $450. I said no because they could guarantee the problem would be fixed. For the last week or so this misfiring has been an intermittant problem. I've read most past posts. Areas of concern are:
Fuel pump going bad
Fuel injector (s) going bad
Fuel filter clogged
Crank sensor failing
I don't like replacing parts not knowing if it will fix the problem especially since this engine is very difficult to work on (space). I'm tempted to bring it an independent repair facility for a second opinion. Can anyone out there provide me some direction???
evolve007
04-19-2004, 03:44 PM
Truthfully, it sounds like an ignition problem.
However, clogged fuel injectors could be a consideration, also.
Hate to sound simplistic, but have you closely checked the spark plug gap. Every plug I've bought for my Caravan was way off before I adjusted. The first time I changed the plugs on it the van ran fine until it reached higher operating temps. Your shop might have tested before full operating temperature was reached. Just something to consider.
However, clogged fuel injectors could be a consideration, also.
Hate to sound simplistic, but have you closely checked the spark plug gap. Every plug I've bought for my Caravan was way off before I adjusted. The first time I changed the plugs on it the van ran fine until it reached higher operating temps. Your shop might have tested before full operating temperature was reached. Just something to consider.
DL944
05-14-2004, 07:22 PM
Had the PCM (power control module) replaced. After 3 weeks of local driving around; no engine problems. A $450 repair.
Although, now the 4 speed automatic transmission is developing a problem. It shifts/bumps hard into a gear (like 2nd or 3rd). It only happens less than 10% of the driving time. Happens on hills or level road. With engine load or not. Just shifts hard into another gear (up or down shifts). The bump is hard enough for others in the vehicle to notice it. I'll check the fluid this weekend and find some transmission additive. The transmission oil has been changed every 50,000 miles or so for the last 10 yrs. My wife now wants to sell it.
Although, now the 4 speed automatic transmission is developing a problem. It shifts/bumps hard into a gear (like 2nd or 3rd). It only happens less than 10% of the driving time. Happens on hills or level road. With engine load or not. Just shifts hard into another gear (up or down shifts). The bump is hard enough for others in the vehicle to notice it. I'll check the fluid this weekend and find some transmission additive. The transmission oil has been changed every 50,000 miles or so for the last 10 yrs. My wife now wants to sell it.
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