1995 Dodge 2500 Van V6 Stalls after running 10 to 12 minutes. Help?

1995 Dodge 2500 Van V6 Stalls after running 10 to 12 minutes. Help?
This van is in excellent condition, no leaks, no smoke, etc. I purchased this 1995 conversion van exactly two years ago never even registered it yet, however, been turning the engine since then and adding new parts on a regular basis to try to keep it alive. Upon test-driving and my complete inspection of this van it run great for 45 minutes on the fairly reputable used vehicle lot. Somehow I overlooked something? I have repaired, wired, and restored Chrysler vehicles for the past 25 years, never have I seen a problem like this one. I purchased this van, drove it exactly 14 miles, while at an intersection, it slightly backfired, then stalled, started it up again, finally entered parking lot, stalled again, after three hours, Hello tow truck! I tried everything to get it started before I had it towed the remaining 68 miles home. Had it running w/rough idle yesterday for once since it stalled three weeks ago.
After purchasing this van and wondering what the problem was, I immediately started replacing w/the following new parts: Fuel Pump (new fuel pump works fine as did the old one I ohm tested and removed before finding out $226.00 later), Crankshaft Sensor, Coil, Distributor Cap, Rotor, Battery, Spark Plugs(Champion), Coil/Spark Plug Wires, Adjusted Timing to Correct Specs, Fuel Shut-off Switch, and firewall mounted Transmission/Ignition Relay. I have checked all vacuum hoses, except for the intake manifold for leaks, will check that tomorrow. Tightened all bolts to throttle body, gaskets, etc, no air leaks thus far.
While I tested w/OBD1 this vehicle code responded w/code "53 Vehicle Not Responding." Key in "On" position, not running. I moved the wiring harness slightly under the hood at the connection of the PCM and heard loud clicking under the battery and what sounded like the fuel shut-off switch clicking. All the tests w/OBD1, the ignition switch is in the, "On" position, not running. The OBD1 responded 16 times w/code "53 SPI Communication Fault" or "code 53 Vehicle Not Responding." While testing w/OBD1 tests, I heard a high-pitched frequency hum emitting from the PCM on the firewall, never heard any noise like this on any vehicle from the computer? While this van was idling yesterday, we smelled strong gas fumes, like it was flooding out. We initially tapped on the accelerator pedal slightly to start the engine, and then it was idling a little rough. When we pressed the accelerator pedal slightly, the engine tried to stall, when we let up on the pedal it idled a little rough, then stalled again. :banghead:
I have not replaced any of the following parts yet because the auto parts store employees are getting happier to see me every time I enter their store concerning this vehicle: MAP sensor, IAC valve, nor checked the fuel pressure w/gauge. A strange problem on the PCM, the number 56028345 is not registered with any parts store, not even Chrysler in the U.S. nor Canada? The number shown for the computer on this van is 56028345, could this PCM have been replaced from some other type of Chrysler vehicle? The local auto parts rep told me the only number for this year and this computer is 56028346? Even cross-referencing this above part number will find 56028345 is not on file? We cannot understand what would keep it from idling at least? I have three other Dodge vans that run very well, parts needed at times during regular maintenance, but nothing like this van. I would appreciate any help concerning this problem. Thank you in advance for your help.

I would check the egr valve, same symptoms as I had, rough idle and hesitate when touching the gas. Simple test, disconnect the vacum line to the egr and plug it, see if it makes a difference. I have had to replace mine several times, didn't even last long enough for two etest (two years)

Totally guessing. Maybe the fuel filter is plugged. That's a lot of sitting around.

Try a new camshaft position sensor. It controls the fuel sync. If it it bad, it will not pulse the injectors. It is under the distributor cap.

Tried the EGR, and blocking the vacuum hose, still not starting. The underhood wiring harness seems to have problems from the slightest movement, will check that end connections. Thanks.

The camshaft sensor, will check under the distributor. Thanks

The fuel filter looked okay, removed the fuel tank and no blockage so far. Thanks. Will reply soon! Working on this van today, have to have this one for second vehicle, other vehicle is needing repairs soon. Thanks for all of your help.

I will tell you from experiance that the computer number does in fact make me nervous. My vehicle is completely different(1997 Stratus), but I had recently swapped out motors from a 2.4 auto to a 2.0 5-spd, and all connectors fit beautiful. The car started but ran like hell and as soon as i twitched near the pedal it would die and not start until it felt like it. Come to find out the last digit in my 2.4's computer was one off of the 2.0's. I swapped them out and not a problem since. So my suggestion, hit up you're local scrap yard and find the exact van, year and engine and transmission, and try it with a cheap-o first. The other thing that it might be (just incase you're van is one of Chrystler's bastard chilldren that actually came with this motor/computer combo) is a broken wire somewhere under the hood. I would look around sensors that count to run the engine, ie... crank and cam position sensors, coil supply, stator signal...ect. The reason I say this is because you might catch it when conditions are right and it might arc until it heats up too much and expands too much for the arc to make the jump....Just some food for thought from a fellow muscle head/car junky. Hope it helps you in the slightest.

Will 183,
Thanks for your excellent advice. I tried to write you the day you posted your very informative letter, however, my computer denied to post my letter and I have been searching wrecking yards to find a computer for this exact year model. One wrecking yard is alerting other wrecking yards in hopes of finding one, if not I may have to buy a new one which is okay, $100.00 + $75.00 at a local auto parts store, which should last a long time. Computers in vehicles are always going to be a problem until they are perfected someday I believe. This information is very interesting because when I contacted other mechanics at Chrysler in Michigan and Chrysler Canada, they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. However, I believe you have helped me more than anyone else. When I purchased this van the computer numbers do not match any other Dodge van nor cross-reference any other Chrysler vehicle, you’re right there is something to the digits on those computers. I believe the guy at the car lot where I bought this van replaced the computer with another one, therefore, causing this problem. I like the Stratus, they are sharp looking cars and they take corners much like a race car. I miss the affordable Barracuda’s, Chargers, and the Challenger’s of the 70’s. I traded my 1974 Charger for a Chrysler Fifth Ave two years ago, decent air-conditioning and the 318 two barrel of the Chrysler was the draw. That Charger had 329,284 original miles on it when I traded it, the only repairs that I put on that Charger was ball joints, tie rod ends, strut bushings, timing chain/cam/crankshaft gear, new push rods, muffler, rebuilt carb. Also I had the original radiator rebuilt (rodded it out) placed a 170 degree thermostat, never overheated even at 70 mph on a 200 mile trip. New paint, and kept the oil and trans. fluid changed on the orginal engine two barrel 318, course I only drove that car between 55 and 70 mph, mostly 55 mph, wanted it to last for awhile and it did. I do all of the work on cars and vans myself. I bought that Charger for $510.00 from a student while I was in college in 1987, she didn’t know the value of it. One day I broke down on my way to work from school about three weeks after I bought it, searched everywhere for the problem it was the (original) electronic module on the firewall, the last place I looked of course. When I bought the Charger, it had 132,000 miles on it. As soon as I buy a computer, going to let you know how this van runs. Thanks again, can’t wait to drive this van, the air-conditioner is this vans best feature.

Hey man, it is not a problem. I cant wait to hear how that works out. I cannot believe that you actually traded a Charger for a 5'th Ave. But to each their own. Oh yeah, as far as the computer thing, if that is not the source, dont forget the wires. Those little bastards have got me tied up for quite a while a few times, expecially where they sometimes have them friggen fusable links in as you know are about the most hidden place they could possibly ever be. Well I would really like to know when you get her going and see what her problem was. Also I really appreciate the feedback on my advise. Glad to see this site is doing some good for people. Other sites I used to be on, you would never get feedback like this or be kept up to date on progress, or see if the advise you give helps any at all.

are you getting any codes from the check engine light?

its a bad computer if your gettin a communication problem right! or bad wire harness

I have clicking under hood, when temp is lower than 50 degrees. Computer seems to be the culprit. My Auto Shutdown [ASD] & Fuel Relay click until the computer warms up. I permanantly grounded one of the coils to test, works better, but other relays are still involved & clicking. Comes from the computer control signal [ground] which fires the coil that energizes the relay. Once clicking stops, the van will start and run fine. After it warms up, it will not fail again until the next cold morning.
My van, like yours, is a 1995 Dodge 2500 Conversion van, with a computer #56028345. There are a few computer rebuilders on the web. They take a core, program it to match your VIN, and send it to you. You return your unit back and the warranty starts. I am calling them tommorrow. I probably wouldn't buy a used one, may have the same problem as one I have. Contact info FYI:
1. autocomputerexchange.com in FL [Louie owner, talk to Rob]
847-477-8251 12 month warranty
2. acdelcocomputers.com 877-687-3267 6 month warranty
3. ecudirect.com 800-685-1927 $279 lifetime warranty
Best Regards,
Bill Melrose, MA
PS: I'm not sure this is your problem, but info may help. Other posters seem to agree with computer as culprit, given the fault you have with OBD I. Is problem related to temperature? If so, remove computer. bring inside, warm it up & retest.

Everyone,
Hello. I posted a reply through my e-mail address yet it did not post on here? Anyway, on the 1995 Dodge Conversion Vans only this year model computer has to be rebuilt with the 1995 core like you mentioned, no other year will fit this year model according to the auto parts people. So I sent off the computer and replaced with the original rebuilt computer, runs perfect. It's amazing what the components inside the computer can do to stop a vehicle. Thanks for all the excellent advice, guess the computer was defective after all. Should have checked it first, anyhow, the other parts that were replaced will last as well and prevent further breakdowns.

Out_of_Ideas:
Glad your van is fixed. Which computer rebuilder did you use? I've been lazy and haven't called them. Did you use the lifetime warranty servicer ECUDirect.com, and sent yours to them?
Thanks,
XR4Nut

xr4nut,
ON the computer, I used Auto Zone and I received a warranty for $219.57. Wished I had done it sooner. How is your van running? I'm not sure where Auto Zone sent my computer to be rebuilt? Let me know how your van is doing? Both of our vans probably have the same problem. I certainly wish that parts on these year model vans were interchangable with other earlier year models, then repairs would be a lot easier and cheaper.
Thanks. Out of ideas?

Wil183?
Anyway, I bought another van with the same computer as mine, as a van to resell. I swapped the computers, my van starts & runs perfect even in cold weather. I am attempting to buy a used computer for the backup van thru car-part.com. The list of venders is 5 pages long :-). I start calls today. Glad our vans are finally running ok!
Bill

Ok, so it was just a faulty computer then? That is always a good thing. Glad to hear that it is all straightened out. Sorry I havent been on much lately but I am taking my Stratus that I built as a race car and trying to make it inspectable without affecting its track-ability just to win a bet with a friend. Even out here where there is no emmitions in the inspection I am finding this to be one of the harder things that I have bet on. In the proccess of trying to hide an 8 point roll cage, nitrous system, and reconfigure my electrical system to hide the main electric cut-off. Not too mention with the way she breathes, trying to stuff a flow-master flugger style muffler in it so it looks and sounds a lot less agressive without restricting her too much. So I might not be on for a few more days due to the long nights I've had. Glad to hear all is well with your van though.