I own a 2002 Dodge Caravan SE (3.3L V6, FWD, Automatic). A couple issues:

1. After getting an lub, oil, and filter change from a mechanic shop I am now seeing a symbol on the dash. It looks like the symbol of the engine. The light was on for a few hours and has now disappeared.

2. I was having trouble starting the car today. It would crank to start but would not start. I had to keep cranking it and finally it started. The starting seems ok for now.

I do have the 2002 Dodge Chrysler service manual but cant seem to find that symbol. Can you tell me is there something i can check on the car OR a unit i can purchase to read any diagnostic issues without having to go to the dealer and paying $120 CDN? There appears to be some input port near the emergency brake pedal:



Thanks

 

You can try disconnecting the battery so that the pcm resets. Also you can go to autozone or whatever auto part store you have near you and they can scan the van for free. They also sell code scanners starting around $100.00. Start with that and go from there.

 

Also, i almost forgot. That plug in your picture is where you plug in the code scanner... Good luck....

 

Dakota, thank you very much for the very useful info. I will do that if what i found is useless...

I was reading the service manual and it states that if i use my ignition key and turn it ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON within 5 secs the odometer will display a DTC code.

Is this code as good as that scanner?

I havent tried it yet as the vehicle is in dispose.

 

Yes. You will get the code like that but only with the scanner you can clear the codes that with not clear when you disconnect the battery. If you get a code there should be a thread here in the forum that shows you what that code means. I have seen the list for the Dakotas but i imagine that all the codes from Dodge are the same for all models. Maybe someone else can chime in and verify my statement.

 

that is better than a code reader cuz you get the EXACT same information and its FREE!!!! no CDN money involved!!1

 

Ok i was able to perform the ignition key turn check. The diagnostic code returned was: P1684, then ------, then done.

So according to the manual there are no errors. Should i still go to PartSOurce to have them perform their diagnostic check? Is a RESET even necessary?

 

if you have any questions that can't be solved via the internet, then yes, it should be reset which you can do for free by disconnecting the battery for at least 10 min.

 

The symbol means check engine light and it needs a OBD II Scan Tool to know what code it will give. Have it scanned in your nearest Advance Auto Parts, they will do it for you free of charge just to know the code and advise you what to do.

 

why does it need an OBDII scan tool when the chryslers allow key cycle to activate code retrieval through the instrument cluster. which he did and was successful with retrieving a code.