1997 Chrysler T&C LXi - Will not start

[disabledLXiVan]

I have two problems where my vehicle will not stay running. It will start for about two seconds the die. When it's hot out taking the gas cap off/on would resolve the problem most times. However when it's cold out only time has fixed it. Every time I have it towed to the dealership it would start after getting there. It's a disabled conversion van so there are few options other than renting a vehicle to transport me in my wheelchair for about a $100 a day.
If anyone has a fixed I would be very grateful.

[RIP]

Your problem is a rarity, at least on the forums. That's probably the reason for the lack of feedback. This problem has come up in the past. Unfortunately, I don't remember the fix or if it was even posted. Try an advanced search either here at AF or over at Chryslerminivan.net.

These are just guesses. The gas cap is supposed to vent excess pressure if the EVAP system fails. Do you hear a big woosh when you remove the cap? Might try a new cap. Other than that I'd look towards the EVAP system, maybe the canister. Could be the vent tube from the tank to the EVAP canister is pinched somewhere. If you can verify you've lost fuel pressure when it dies (connect pressure gauge at fuel rail test port), then consider a new pump. Maybe the pressure regulator on the pump is failing. Does it matter if the tank is near full or empty?

If it weren't for removing the gas cap as a fix, I would think this would either be security system related or the automatic shutdown system is activating due to loss of the camshaft or crankshaft sensor signal. Do you have any other info however unrelated you might think it could be? Did this start after some other maintenance? Did it creep up on you or happen all of a sudden with regularity? Is it temperature related?

If you haven't yet and can arrange it, have the shop keep it overnight out in the cold. Might be easier to duplicate.

[jpb53]

Have them check the vapor canister for fuel saturation.

[hundahunta]

possible a fuel pump or evap system vent problem, since's it's a wheel chair accessible, they probably have a aftermarket fuel tank and may have modified the evap system, how long have you had this problem, how long did you have the van converted, before the problem occured