engine light comes on and stays on

[tonyib]

van
just wondering if someone can tell me why my engine light comes on when the van is started.
Also, the van seems to lose power for a split second at a time. sounds like it goes into nutural.

auto sick tony

[yogi_123rd]

You didn't state the year and engine size.

That "check engine" light comes on when the
computer has detected a problem (i.e. bad sensor)in one of the engine control systems. It sets/stores a code as to which sensor failed. With a bad sensor, the computer goes into "limp" mode. If it is a gas related sensor, the computer will make a guess, based on the other good sensors, in order to keep the engine running. In limp mode, engine performance (i.e. no power) is sacraficed.

If your car is 1996-2004, you will need a ODB-II reader to get the code. If an Autozone is nearby, they'll read your codes for you at no cost.

If your car is 1995 or before, the following procedure will work.

Chysler computer codes (80-95 Chysler's):

Chysler faults codes are stored in the computer for up to 50 ignition starts. Each code is two digits. Beware that some problems can generate multiple faults codes. The code's meaning (i.e. faulty sensor) can be found by doing a web search using keywords "Chryler computer codes".

To obtain codes: Turning the ignition key on-off-on three times (don't start the engine) will put the
computer into diagnostic mode. Watch the "check engine" light. Count the flashes for each digit which is followed by a pause between digits. Two digits to a code with the end of the list being code 55.

To reset the codes, turn the ignition key on-off-on
50-55 times (don't start the engine).