91 Voyager-Check Engine, Check Guages

[kids_need_rides]

Hello, New here.

I recently Have a similar conditin although a bit more troublesome. I hope someone can help!

2 days ago on Thursday 12-30-04, I noticed that the "Check Engine" light was on. I checked all fluid levels-fine.
I consulted the owners manual and it sated it was probably a emission control thing and would not cripple the vehicle so I planned on taking it in on Monday(Tomorrow, 1-3-05).

Here is where it gets ugly.
Severe winter storm here, high build up of snow on the roads.
can feel the undercarriage dragging on the snow.....

On the way to taking my kids to their Mothers house, I notice the "Check Guages" light come on....
Im half way to the destination so I continue, knowing I had already checked the fluids......

A little later the "Battery" Indicator light comes on, telling me there is a charging system problem.

So of course there is....
Vehicle loses all electrical power in a short time as its night so lights, radio, fan blowers on....kill the battery.

Im wondering if there are wirng harnesses under the car that could get "trashed" by driving in high snow...

This vehicle has been an Iron Horse, with no problems whatsoever and for something to totally fail in the short time it did, I am suspiciuos of a simple element?

Is there anyone out there who these sequence of events have happened in a similar fashion?

:o(
any help?

Thanks in advance.

SP
[email protected]
91 Plymouth Voyager
v-6
Non AC
(REPOST FROM A REPLY)

[HeadlessHorseman]

Sounds like you need to first make sure that your charging system is working. I would start with the alternator and then test the battery. In Connecticut, Advanced Auto has the equipment to test both the battery AND the alternator. Once you're sure that the foundation of your electrical system is sound, then we can move on to the next step.

[kids_need_rides]

That of course is what I would think off the bat first, but why the sequence of dash lights?
Check Engine
Check Gauges
and finally the Charging System light...

I find it odd that this all happens the same day we have deep snow, with no other problems leading up to this....
That is why I was asking if wiring is down low enough to get damaged....
Checking the charging system is fruitless if the wiring isnt making the circuit.

[HiRez_L]

This sounds too simple to be true, but check the serpentine belt first, they had a problem with the belt slipping off in high snow until about 95 or so, when they added a plastic shield over the lower part of the belt to prevent it.

[HeadlessHorseman]

It may be purely coincidental that deep snow was involved. Then again, without putting your Caravan on a lift and looking underneath, it is impossible to lay out a complete troubleshooting plan. "Check Engine" lights come on for a whole bunch of different reasons. But the "Bat" light indicating a charging system problem or failure is a no brainer. You gotta check and make sure your battery and alternator are OK and then move on, else you might just be chasing your tail for days (weeks?).

If you suspect that deep snow was THE causitive factor, then get your Caravan up on a lift and look around underneath for dangling wires, unplugged connections and such - obvious signs of damage. If you see connectors that are at or near road level, you might want to disconnect and inspect them. Corroded connectors are worse than broken wires because they are more difficult to spot. You may need to invest in a good multimeter and check for contunuity on each side of these connectors. Disconnect the negative battery cable before doing so.

Good luck!