I have a 2002 Caravan with 97,000 miles. It began occasionally stalling when accelerating from a stop anddownshifting excessively. I had a shop temporarily cure the problem. I was told the computer had not been reset properly when some other work had been performed recently. The van ran perfectly for an hour or so before the same problems began again. I’m thinking the problem has to be the computer or related components. Has anyone dealt with this problem before?
(I checked and there are no error codes).
Thanks

 

Your TCM perhaps, but it should've spit out a code. Possible tranny solenoid? On the other hand, I heard and read that when TCM are changed, it must be reset by a special scan tool. Perhaps what the mech stated were correct... Research this forum to see if anybody else had the problem.

 

I have a 2002 caravan which over the last year or so has intermittant computer problems. I have had the BCM replaced, but now if I drive the car any longer distance (say 25 miles) the dash board lights up, and while the car still moves, I do not trust driving it any distance. I usually take it home and leave it parked for awhile. When I go back later to check it oout again I find that the lights are gone goes back to normal until the next time I drive it over 25mile distance. The repair guy had told me that if after replacing the BCM I still have issues it might be the main computer, which can be expensive to replace. Does anybody have and ideas as to what this problem might be?

 

robtpren - What exactly do you mean by "the dashboard lights up". A single light? Multiple lights? Which lights? The engine keeps running with the "lights" on correct? Anything else not working when the "lights" are on? Which engine do you have?

Therber - Short of a new TCM a "Quick Learn" procedure may help. Ask your shop. If it comes to it TCMs can be had for less than $200 on the internet. Any codes detected?

 

Every warning light turns on. Gauges die, windshield wipers, and headlights, stop working. Transmission gear selector on the dash shows boxes around each letter, not just the gear you are in. I was told when the BCM originally failed it lost contact with the main computer, so it threw up all the warning lights. After replacment the car worked fine for a few weeks, but began the cycle all over again. Not sure why the lights would go out on their own and car operates noramlly without me doing any repairs. Thought it might related to rain water coming in from the passenger side windshield running down and shorting out a module in the engine bay and then when it dried out it was okay again, but still happens now and then rain or shine.
Engine is 3.3 liter V6.
A smog station attendent once told me that even though the model year of the car is a 2002, the engine is a 2003. He knew this by the schematic mounted on the inside hood, did not match the actual engine. Not sure what to make of that.
Any insight you might have would be welcome.

 

Check any and all engine grounds. Check battery condition. Check anything charging related for loose connections. Look under the underhood fuse panel for corroded or loose wires.

My 2002 was left sitting for 3-4 months before I bought it on a used car lot I worked at. It had a weak battery and needed constant boosting to get it running. It would run perfect until you shut it off and restarted it. Then, it would do something very similar to what you were posting. I bought the van for cost and put a new battery in it and over 40K miles later, it has not repeated this problem. These vans are very touchy when it comes to proper voltages and bad grounds. Plus, it is somewhat common for corroded wiring under the underhood fuse panel. All this stuff is free to check so better to start there.

 

Thanks for the insight. I will check out the grounds as suggested this week-end. The battery has been replaced in the last year or so.

 

Do these symptoms fit? Even if it's not an exact fit it may be worth looking at.
http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/sho...cal-Components

The GS300 ground mentioned is at the base of the drivers side "B" pillar. That's near the drivers seat belt mechanism on the floor.