96 Grand Caravan abrubtly dies

[CAMFLIGHTRN]

I have a 96 GC the engine stopped while driving at approx 30mph. I put it in neutral while coasting and it started right up and continued on my way. The next day after 30 minutes of driving, while at a red light the engine cut out again. I replaced the fuel filter but the same thing happened the next day. Codes 12 (from the fuel filter change) and 55 . The engine does not sputter or hesitate just abrubtly dies.

your thoughts and input please

[jmihokovich]

I am having the same problem with my 94 Grand Caravan. Mine stalls after vehicle warm-up (from driving or idleing). Car cranks but will not fire for next 2-5 minutes. Then restarts perfectly and doesnt appear to have problems again in the same day.

[Chimster]

The 12 code means the battery was recently disconnected and the 55 means it has reached the end of codes, hence you are not getting any fault codes displayed. This doesn't mean there isn't a problem as you obviously know but simply the ECM isn't registering any for the moment.

[lobo77]

My 96 Caravan dies when coming to a stop or when I am actually stopped. It usually accurs after about 20 or 30 minutes of driving. I have had it in the dealership for diagnosis and they were unable to find the problem. They did something called a "Snapshot" and sent it in to Chrysler. But have yet to recieve an answer. I think it may be the engine ECU. What has everyone else out there done? Most of the time it will start right up but sometimes it may take 5 or 6 attempts before it will restart. Anybody have any advice? LOBO77

[callangfeldt]

Originally Posted by CAMFLIGHTRN

I have a 96 GC the engine stopped while driving at approx 30mph. I put it in neutral while coasting and it started right up and continued on my way. The next day after 30 minutes of driving, while at a red light the engine cut out again. I replaced the fuel filter but the same thing happened the next day. Codes 12 (from the fuel filter change) and 55 . The engine does not sputter or hesitate just abrubtly dies.

your thoughts and input please

I would like to know if you figured out why your car was dying? I have a 97 Caravan and it just started doing the same thing. It did not die until after I had been driving it at least 20 to 30 min. My oil light also has come on. Please let me know if you've found the problem. Thanks

[katwoman_4life]

i have had all the same problems! scary when i have the babies in the car. my mechanics have changed the fuel system out (pump, filter,etc.); no trouble codes, and i still have the problem occassionally. now they think it may be something with the electrical relay?(sound right?) any chance the problem may be due to a remote starter we had put in about a year ago? anyone else, that has this problem, have their own remote starter put in? should i worry about any potential electrical fires?

[wes31ton]

I think the problem is the ECU as I have change my entire wire harness and the problem still exist. I am in the process of buying a UCM right now if helps the problem I will post another reply

[CAMFLIGHTRN]

hI THERE

[CAMFLIGHTRN]

Hi everyone, After following the advice found on this web site, I fixed the problem.

Simply clean the THROTTLE BODY.

I purcahsed a can of B-12 spray cleaner from Auto Zone (about $2.00) remove the air intake hose and that black box (two clamps and two mounting screws) and with the engine OFF, using the spray straw (careful not to lose it in the throttle body), spray into the THROTTLE BODY for 3-5 seconds. wait a minute and spray again, and watch the crap start pouring out. Repeat till clean, I directed the spray all over and in and around the sensors. I recommend you use a flashlight and look inside before and after each spraying so you can see what is coming off and where to direct your spray.

After doing this I was "Stall Free" for almost 2 months. If this resolves your problem even for a short time then I would consider removing the THROTTLE BODY and cleaning thoroughly, however, I suggest you try the $2.00 method first.

WARNING** the fumes from the B 12 are very powerful, avoid breathing the vapors and use ONLY OUTSIDE with good ventilation.

hope this helps.... CAMFLIGHTRN

[wes31ton]

Yes I have changed the ECU and it worked. No more shut offs.