3.3 Engine won't run ....
 

I have a 1993, Dodge Grand Caravan SE, 4X2, 3.3L MPI, Auto, with 125,000 miles on it. It has worked well for 16 years with some minor replacement parts.

Last week I started it up and noticed the oil pressure fluctuating from zero to 70%. It did this several times then the engine shutdown. The shutdown was quick and smooth … no kicking or sputtering. After that, whenever I try to start the engine it starts right up for one second, then shutdown quickly and smoothly, as if the computer knows something is wrong and will not let the engine run. The engine oil level is OK.

I don’t have a DRBII tester but I did the “ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON” ignition key test and the only code I got was “12” for “disconnecting the battery the day before”.

I read my Dodge manual and the only thing that made any sense was the info on the “Automatic Shutdown Mode” that will not allow the engine to run if there are problems with the “crankshaft sensor” and/or the “camshaft sensor”. Aside from that it seems like the only way I can trouble shoot the original oil sensor problem is to get into the oil pump itself and see what shape it is in.

Any other ideas before I pull the front end off the caravan and the engine ??

Thanks in advance, Dan.

Make sure the oil pressure sending unit has'nt failed.
It could also be some kind of electrical problem causing the computer to read a cam or crank sensor problem into the picture and causing the engine to shut down.