clockspring failure-running poor now

[patarusky]

Here the deal-2000 Caravan ran great until last week. First airbag light came on, then no cruise control, then no horn, then engine stalled and would not go more than 30 MPH. Sat till it was cold and then started(barely) with a low idle and would not rev or move until it warmed up completely. Check engine light came on so I borrowed a good scanner (Auto XRAY-5000) and it gave me PO171-system too lean bank 1. Cleared the code and drove the van again. This time it will go freeway speeds but only at 30% throttle. If I floor it, it slows down,check engine light comes on again (same code) and the van has no power. The scanner shows that the system is running at 24 % fuel trim both low and high which means the computer is compensating for a lean condition (I think) but we can find no leak,no hoses cracked, no engine noise or fluids dripping anywhere and the check engine light stays off unless I floor it to get going. Both O2 sensors are responding normally as well. Is it possible that the clockspring death has affected or does affect the BCM or PCM so that I need a re-flash from the dreaded dealer or am I missing something???Thanks for any input.

[GTP Dad]

Get the clockspring replaced, it is a lifetime warranted part and should be replaced free by the dealer. The other issue sounds like a fuel starvation issue. I could be related to a blocked fuel filter, fuel pump or bad injectors. Check the fuel pressure at the rail to see if it is within specifications. Also check to see if the cat is blocked since a blocked cat will cause performance issues. You can do it by unhooking the exhaust before the cat and if it runs better you will need to replace it. I would start with the fuel filter and go from there.

[usmailman956]

What is a clockspring on these vans

[GTP Dad]

The clockspring is located inside the steering wheel. It looks like a spring from a clock that gets tighter when you turn one direction and opens in the other. It allows the steering wheel to move and maintain contact with all the electrics that run through such as the airbag. Without the clockspring the air bag will not deploy and it will give you a lot of electronic problems with cruise and etc. Chrysler has had a recall on these vans due to bad clocksprings.