engine light on

[ljrdjtmma]

94 Grand Caravan Engine light comes on when it has been driven for a little while. If I shut the car off and turn it back on the light goes away for a while. The car shakes and it has been consuming enormous amounts of gas. I can go approx. 100 miles to a full tank of gas. Also, there is a smell of gasoline in the oil. Any ideas of what could be the problem? Help!

[yogi_123rd]

You need to get the diagnostic code(s) from the computer - the check engine light is set when a fault occurs.
See link for diagnostic code meanings:

http://www.allpar.com/fix/80s-codes.html

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.
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.

[sandokana]

Check the engine codes first. I think you might have an oxygen sensor problem. Oxygen sensor problem codes are 21-22-51-52, if you have any of those codes I would change the sensor. Good luck.

[rksnc]

That is true but need to put engine on scan tool and see what everything else is doing. Just because you get a O2 code doesn't mean it is bad. There are other thing that can happen and cause to O2 to code. Lets say there is a vaccum leak, there is no code for that but will cause a O2 to go lean. You could also have more than one code and you have to decide which one is really bad, because one can cause other codes. Gas in oil says very rich, map sensor could do this.

[sandokana]

You absolutely right. What I’m thinking is that if you have O2 code and it is the original sensor than most likely it is a good starting point to change the sensor on a 94’ caravan.

[1thunder]

i agee with sandokana 100%

[ljrdjtmma]

Thank you for all your help and fast response. I got a code of 13 when I did the test. I am having the map sensor tested tomorrow. I will let you know what the prognosis is! I have been telling everyone I know about this forum! THANK YOU!!!!!!

[ljrdjtmma]

We fixed the van today. We put in a new oxygen sensor and map sensor. It runs great!! Our gas mileage is back to normal...and with these gas prices...what a relief! It only cost $90 for the parts! Thanks again for all the help!