New to this site. Just bought a 96 V6 with 109,000 miles. The vehicle will not start back up after short trips. I took it to a dealer today, it is showing a code of 38. Dealer didn't know what it was, have to take back tomorrow. It is getting spark and will start then choke itself out. If you step on the gas it will run. No problems once started and running.

 

There is no code 38. You can check the codes easily your self. Check out this link. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-96-codes.html

Also the link is in the FAQ.

 

I went out and check it again, and it did the same thing- 3 flashes then 8 flashes big pause then code 55. The dealer even thought it said 38. The condition is worse the shorter the time between trips.

 

I'd be willing to bet that 3 was actually supposed to be 12. The codes always start with 12.

Which means that 8 should be split into 2 other digits.

 

the pcm could have been disconnected. the dealer just replaced the plugs and thermostat. the dealer said that is what codes were showing when the connected to the pcm.

 

12 really has nothing to do with whether PCM being disconnected or not. From what I've gathered from my time on this forum, and what has been generally accepted by us regulars, code 12 is always the start of codes. It has never failed to show up first for me.

Which means that 8 can be...
17- Closed loop temp not reached or engine cold too long
44- Battery Temp Voltage out of range
53- Internal PCM failure
71- 5 Volt PCM output too low

 

went out and looked again. it does appear that it is a 12 and then a 17. Thank you for all your help. I believe that the dealer put in a faulty thermostat an will be replacing it at his cost.

 

With it being a 96 take it to a parts store that checks obd2 codes.