98 Gr Caravan dies when turning

My van dies instantly when going around corners. That is the only time it dies. It will die even if I put it in neutral and give it gas. Sometimes it will die when hitting a big bump. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Chad

Welcome to the forum. One likely possibility: the camshaft or crankshaft sensor is sending erroneous engine timing data to the powertrain control module (engine's brain). The PCM then trips the automatic shutdown relay (ASD). The ASD then cuts power to the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel injectors, and O2 sensor. You can crank it all day. It just won't start until the correct signal returns. This is designed into the system to prevent major engine damage and/or excessive pollution. It doen's care if you're in your driveway or doing 80 on an expressway. Dumb and dangerous design if you ask me.

Usually if one of these sensors is in error, an error signal is generated in the PCM and the service engine soon light comes on indicating you have a problem. Many times for whatever reason the light doesn't come on.

I would go to the nearest AutoZone and have them read any error codes stored in the PCM. It's free. I would inspect the wiring leading from the sensors to the PCM. Could have a loose or corroded connection. They could be chaffing on something only in a turn and grounding the signal. If you can't find anything, these sensors are easy to change and cheap at around $20-30. You can always change one and see what happens.

What's going on at Chanutte these days? I spent six months there for AF technical training in 75/76. Oh boy do I remember the six foot snow drifts.

My van dies instantly when going around corners. That is the only time it dies. It will die even if I put it in neutral and give it gas. Sometimes it will die when hitting a big bump. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Chad
While you have it in park and idling I would carefully move some of the engine cables(not spark plug wires) around some, being careful of course near moving stuff, and see if anything causes the symptom. You could also tap some of the sensor connectors. If it is as sensitive as you say, something should show up and steer you toward the problem.

Thanks RIP/Stretch. I will take your advice and update you on what I found out. RIP, We had some of those 6' drifts this past winter, and old Chanute as you probably know, closed, but Rantoul is doing what they can to keep it from turning into a ghost town.

Thanks RIP/Stretch. I will take your advice and update you on what I found out. RIP, We had some of those 6' drifts this past winter, and old Chanute as you probably know, closed, but Rantoul is doing what they can to keep it from turning into a ghost town.
Off subject, but a few years ago, passed through Rantoul, looked around the old base, kind of forlorn, all the grass growing up through the cracks on the parade field. Ate supper at a restaurant they put in at the old O Club. Not too bad.

Do you happen to know what they did with that huge building near the flighline? Don't recall what they called it but, it was supposed to have been the biggest military building at one time. Lots of history there back to WWII. All of my training took place there. Would be a shame if they tore it down. Have lots of fond memories of that base.