96dodge caravan just dies!

[blcreech]

I Have Changed Cam Sensor,map Sensor,and A Few More Sensors,fuel Pump, Cadalac Covertor,plugs/plug Wires,distributor.it Still Dies,when Its Running It Runs Great,then It Acts Like Its Running Out Of Gas And Dies,and Wont Start Back For Hours. Thankfull For Any Advise!!!!!

[jsinton]

When you changed your fuel pump did you clean the tank? Why did you change the fuel pump? Was it because of the present problem? Or was it the start of your problems?

[jsinton]

Also, did you try to pull any trouble codes? Is there a 'check engine" light or anything?

[RIP]

Are you getting spark and fuel after it dies?

[TerryK1]

I'm not an expert but I was having a very similar problem until a few days ago. All I had to do was clean the idle air control valve (on the throttle body) and haven't had a problem since!

Here's the thread: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=691808

[blcreech]

I Changed The Fuel Pump Because It Was One Of First Things I Thought Might Be Wrong,and I Tried To Get A Code Check Done On It When It Died One Day But The Shop I Took It To Was Getting Ready To Close When I Got There,they Didn't Check It Until The Next Morning,by Then It Was Fine Once Again And Not Giving Any Codes!

[webbch]

I Have Changed Cam Sensor,map Sensor,and A Few More Sensors,fuel Pump, Cadalac Covertor,plugs/plug Wires,distributor

I Changed The Fuel Pump Because It Was One Of First Things I Thought Might Be Wrong

This is going to be an extremely expensive repair for you, if you go at it with this approach. You may as well run straight to the dealer and pay them to do the work for you, and it'll probably cost you less than 1/2 the price of you trying to fix it yourself, with your current approach of shotgunning parts without any diagnostic procedures.

With this problem, the only part I recommend "shotgunning" is the fuel filter, simply because it's very cheap and just good routine maintenance anyway. Aside from that, you need to spend some time diagnosing the real problem, rather than dreaming up different parts to replace. It takes much longer, costs MUCH more and causes far more aggravation to all involved to solve problems that way.

I seriously doubt you changed the distributor, since the '96 Caravan doesn't have one. Also you say "and A Few More Sensors". WTF?? Why are you replacing sensors when you don't even know what they are, much less what they do and how that relates to your symptoms? You say it dies while running and won't start again for a couple of hours - that it acts like its running out of gas. This implies to me that an intelligent place to start the diagnosis is at the fuel system. If it was me, I would check the fuel pressure to ensure that fuel is at least getting to the fuel rail at the appropriate pressure (Can anyone verify that low fuel pressure WON'T set a code?). Then the injectors.

If your not willing to even attempt diagnosing the problem, do yourself and everyone around you a favor and take it somewhere to have it professionally repaired. Believe it or not, you WILL save money by doing it that way.

[jsinton]

Yes, I would suspect fuel problem and test for fuel pressure at the fuel rail. You changed the fuel pump, which means there is a good chance you got the "fuel screen clogged at the fuel pump" problem.

We're not saying you need a new fuel pump. In all likelihood, the fuel pump is good. It's a problem with whoever installed it. The recommend procedure is to CLEAN the tank when the new fuel pump is installed. Cleaning the tank involves dumping out the fuel, and using some sort of cleaner. It's a messy, difficult job, so nobody wants to do it. If you don't clean the tank, you run the risk of clogging up the little screen which covers the fuel pump inlet inside the tank. When you lower the tank to replace the fuel pump, the chances are that you dislodge all kinds of gunk in the tank. It seems to be a really common problem on this forum.

Remember to tell us how you make out for future reference.

[stacirountree]

Mine dies as well but it starts right back up. It took mine to Pepboys. I don't know if that was a good idea but I have been learning about my van. Does your run hot. If so you may want to have your head gasket checked.

[wvcountryboy358]

Try replacing the electrical ignition switch [ not the key part ] . These vehicles are famous for this part going bad .

[RIP]

Originally Posted by wvcountryboy358

Try replacing the electrical ignition switch [ not the key part ] . These vehicles are famous for this part going bad .

Thanks for jumping on the forum WV but, try to avoid reopening two year old posts.