96 Plymouth Grand Voyager (Computer problems?)

[revdjlee]

My van has been in the shop for two months. It was towed to the first shop after being there a couple weeks before having the fuel rail replaced because it was leeking. I returned to the shop with it becaue, it will not fire up when the key it turned over. The machanic there thought it the crank shaft sensor so, he order one and that was not the problem. After he had it a week it was towed to another nearby shop that has the tec to figure out the problem. After waiting on them to pick it up for two weeks, they done test that said it was the computer and wiggled and traced on wires coming up with nothing. They ordered numerous computers getting the wronge ones each time. Finally getting the correct computer in; still the van will not start up. It's been TWO MONTHS! I just totaled my other vehicle and am really in need of this van being back on the road. Does anyone know what's going on???? Thanks, Rev. Darrel J. Lee

[RIP]

It's impossible to give specific info without knowing the process your mechanics have gone through to lead them to a bad computer. As I see it you have two options. Get the van to competent mechanics or get the van back and work on it yourself.

Have you tried your local dealership? At this point that may be your best move. I normally avoid them but, in your case there's been so many eyes looking at it with no results, the "dealerships are best equipped to handle tough to fix issues" train of thought may apply.

If you have a handle on basic auto stuff or know someone who does and is willing to help then come on back here and we can guide you through the process. Far from a sure thing but, we'll try to get it running. First move if you try this is to buy a maintenance manual.

You said they changed a leaking fuel rail. Did they tell you there is a safety recall for leaking fuel rails on 96 Voyagers? It may or may not apply to your van specifically but, worth looking into. Might get rembersed.

What engine do you have? Did this all start with a starting problem or just a leaking fuel rail? Did they change the camshaft sensor? Were you getting a Service Engine Light (SEL) on the dash? Did the mechanics ever say anything about the Automatic Shutdown relay or system? Cheers.

[revdjlee]

Ok, thanks for you response. I'll get back with you soon. Yes, I have been thinking about sending it to a Dodge dealership if the local shop doesn't figure it out.

[revdjlee]

I just read your message again. The shop finally gave up. They can't figure it out. I did talk to a guy that lives beside me about it. He looked at it the day it stoped and said that he wiggled the wire going to the crank shaft sensor or something like. and Said that it would start up and run until it started to idle and cut off. He said that it finally stopped doing anything. The first shop that I brought it to also thought it was the crank shaft sensor but, when it was replaced it still didn't work.
Now, I this morning I was trying to get a car that I just recked started so that I could move it out of the way. It did just like that van is doing. Sounded like it wasn't getting gas. My neighbor informed me that there are fuel safty shut off switches in many trunks that cut the fuel off when you have a accident or something. Could this be all it is because, of my recent fuel leek??

[revdjlee]

Ok, I finally got my van back after being in three different shops since December. I brought it to a Vo-Tech teacher and he and some High School student figured out the problem right away. It was the Timing chain. LOL! I went ahead and had the water pump, battery, and belt changed also. Well, Thanks for your help. God bless, Rev. Lee

[jsinton]

Timing chain? That should have been the first thing the mechanic looked at! It's so obvious when it's broken. Think about suing the first mechanic for incompetence.