I have a grand caravan le -1996 with a 3.3L. The other day the van ran fine. Turned the corner and the engine stalled. Couldn't restart. The car would turn over, idle for a few seconds then die. Neighbor kept pressing on gas til I noticed the converter glowed a bright orange. I get a code 31 off the key, scanner says 0 codes. Had converter and muffler replaced, van still wont run. It dies immediately after it turns over. Any suggestions? I know 31 is evap, but where do I start. Also could this be just in need of a tune up? This van has been well taken care of from transmission rebuilt to sensors replaced, rotors and brakes----just in the last month. Thank you

 

Welcome to DF
Code 31 has 6 different meanings.All are for evap codes. What i would need is the P code that goes with the failed circuit.

 

I tried using the scanner after I got the code off the key. The scanner said 0 codes. The only other odd thing was when I got the code off the key 31 flashed two different times. first code was 12 then 31 31 again and finally the 55. Thank you.

 

Do you know someone that either works at a dealer or has a DRB3 scanner to ck codes?

 

Garage called and said PCM is bad. (havent finished diagnostics) Can you tell me if the PCM has anything to do with code 31 and the converter overheating?
My dad was a master mechanic and service manager for 45 years (Chrysler)........now that hes passed....I wish I would have paid attention when he tried to teach me

 

Sorry about your dad.I wish i had listen to my dad too.

 

Why are we not directing the problem of the glowing cat? that is a direct result of excessive fuel in the exhaust. Master tech, any direction as to what could be a common cause of this on a 3.3? I have some ideas but I think yours would be more valid. I'm sure you've encountered this problem many more times than I have.

 

Because code 31 has 6 different codes for the evap system.Not an o2 problem, a P code will help to find if its an LDP pump or purge solenoid.

 

but anything EVAP related would have nothing to do with the glowing cat issue. heck could have had a loose gas cap within the past month cause the 31 but still doesn't address what seems to be a more important issue. codes don't always lead us down the path of righteous mechanical repair.

 

Got my van back. The service manager said the PCM went out causing the fuel to "go crazy" I guess it dumped fuel in the cat. PCM was replaced along with cat converter. Van runs like new. I guess thats why I couldnt pull P codes. No codes yet (knock on wood)