I have a 97 Grand Caravan with 111k. It has always been pretty reliable until now. If it is above 20 degrees outside the van will start up and run fine. However if it is less than 20 degrees outside many times the van will start right up but idle terrible, missing really bad and bouncing all over from 300 to 1100 rpm. If you try to drive, it will die when you come to a stop. It will start running normally after 5 to 10 minutes but never gives me any check engine light or clue. Spark plugs have been changed. It has done this with the past two tanks of gas depending on the outside temp so I don't think it is gas. Any idears?

 

Same thing happening to me. And quite a few people from reading the last couple pages on the forums. This is new behavior for the van as well. And seems to be connected to the cold weather also.

It'll start and then die immediately. If i start the van and then hold the gas down it will settle back into normal idle and run fine. Once the van is warmed up it doesn't stall/die.

Going to check the idle control valve first. But really if it starts and holds there is zero problems with the baseline idle. No check engine light either.

 

Have someone hook up a scanner and look at the temp sensor, see what the sensor is telling the controller. I have seen this same problem with the ram trucks. But the ram truck won't start and run if the sensor reads -40 deg.

 

I don't know if it makes any difference but when I have the idle problems the temp on my computer thingy above the rear view mirror is way off. It reads like 50F even though it is more like 5F.

 

guessing and speculation is sure an ineffecient way to problem solve. The right tool to pinpoint the problem is out there..... a real Scanner is the only way to go as the Master stated. I wouldn't guess on a temp sensor, that rarely causes such serious problems like massive missfire/die. Just to give you an 'idear' on what 'could' be the problem... Map sensor, egr, cam sensor, broken flex plate, pcm, wiring problem, sticking injector(s). or maybe it could be a/several plug wires. but again, without proper diagnosis using proper tools, it's anyones guess.

 

I hooked up an obdII scanner and I did not get any codes, so really all I can do is guess. I'm stumped. What about a plugged fuel filter?

 

Can you read sensor values with your scanner?? Have you checked the fuel pressure?? Fuel pressure, coolant temp sensor reading, ambient temp reading all would be nice to know.

 

the question that should be asked... did this problem just mysteriously happend or did you/someone 'fix' your van?

 

The problem just popped up. I will try to get a hold of a fuel pressure gauge. I am not sure how to test the temp sensor. What do you mean by ambient temp?
I don't mean to be bothersome and I appreciate everyones help.

 

go to the dictionary and look up the word 'ambient' . I highly doubt it's a fuel pressure problem. a code reader is totally useless for this situation, you need a real scanner that allows data stream so you can actually see what the computer is interpreting from the various sensors