Service engine soon light

[williamsfw2427]

I just bought a 97 grand caravan and as soon as I got it inspected here in MO that darn light came on. it has a 3.8 engine and after reading the manual and all the web sights on all the siple things I just dont know what else to do.I just spend the last of my money on it. Are there some simple things I can do or try before i have to take it to a mech that can really screw me?

She runs very strong and is super clean for her age and the guy i bought it from did a lot to it but I know Im not going to find a better van for what i paid for this one.

[Bear]

Put key in ignition and turn to on, then off, then on,then off, and then on and wait. The SES light will blink your engine codes, one blink, a pause two blinks a pause is code 12, code 55 is end of test, then post your results here, OR go to Auto Zone and they will code it for free and give you a copy of the results.

[ret_Marine2003]

What is code 2-23-55?

[jpb53]

12 is start of test. 23 is intake air temp sensor. 55 is end of test. Have you replaced your air filter recently? Intake air temp sensor is in the snorkel between the air filter and the throttle body if I remember right.

[RIP]

...except a 3rd generation 3.8 ltr engine doesn't have an intake air temp sensor. Somewhere on this forum a few have determined a code 23 ("P" code 0112 or 0113) on a 3.8 ltr engine is EGR related. Don't recall specifics.

I would head to the nearest Autozone and have them read the "P" codes with a scanner then clear the codes. It's free. This will confirm what you have and if it was a one time glitch - problem solved. The later could be the case since your van is running great.

[ret_Marine2003]

I will do that.

I had the code read at another compeating auto parts store today and was told that it was an EGR system related code.

I will try the ignition dance method.

Coincidentally I got a code 23 from the trip reset test.

I am told that would mean the air intake sensor.

I am also told that may be EGR related since the air cleaner is new.

My van has a 3.3L6.

[jpb53]

I'm really confused now you come in three weeks later and revive an old post. Give bits of info and ask for help. I looked at your profile; so it is a 2000 Voyager right? What was the code the auto parts store retrieved from your computer? People are trying to help you here. Please make it easier for all involved.

[ret_Marine2003]

jpb53, your confusion is unwarrented.

I searched for other people who have similar issues that were not answered before I posted.

That way I get help and so does someone else who's question was never answered.

I am having a hard time getting the code via the ignition trick.

Probably because of my arthritis.

[jpb53]

All I can do is apoligize to you at this point and say I am sorry. I have always been a detail person in things I do; wether is it my job or personal projects. I have been told at tine I am anal about it. So be it that is who I am. Years ago a product line of cars I worked on would be sold; and in the shop for a minimum of 6 months before we got any tech support. If you were going to fix it you had to figure out how it worked. So all the little details helped in that regard. I fixed cars others couldn't;sometimes being an ahole has it's advantages. Chrysler hex codes can give you a general idea of the the general problem; for instance you can have a O2 sensor code and they are very basic in their description. As an OBD2 generic code you have almost 40 different codes for O2 sensors. Then there are dealer specific codes. They are even more detailed in their description and are specific to a product line. At times I get frustrated because I see situations every day at work where people are trying to fix their cars to pass emissions and the spend a lot of time and money and have not made any progress in fixing the car. Some are even worse because of what has been done. See if you have a parts house in you area that can read the codes for you. Most offer it as a free service in the hopes of selling you the parts to fix your car. Again I apologize. I was just being myself you don't know me and I don't know you. Understand the arthritis though, sounds like you have it in you hands, Ihave it in my knees. Take care.