I have a 1995 Gr. Caravan LE 3.3L with over 200k, as we were driving car droped down to 1st gear and we limped home. Once home car set maybe 2 hours and started right up, backing up quit running hasn't started again. If we shoot starting fluid into the intake it runs for a second and stops after the starting fluid is gone. I Got a code of 34 (speed control solenoid circuts) 35 ( high or low speed fan relay ) and then 55. Used a multimeter checked every relay in box and fuses all read good. All help is welcome and any ideas I'm on disability and have little to spend and can't take it to a shop.

 

you confirmed you have spark. maybe fuel pressure test? could be a broken flex plate (seen that a lot over the years)

 

Starter and plate are fine right now anyway we have spark and fuel don't know how much pressure though I think they say 39 psi will rent a tester and check.

 

suppose to be like 54 psi. How do you know the flex plate isn't cracked. they still let the motor crank over but won't start or run really bad when they break around the bolts. then the plate shifts and throws the cam/crank outta whack and may or may not set a code.

 

scorbe
You said the engine ran when you put starting fluid in the throttle? I would try turnning the key on and tap on the bottom of the fuel tank. You may hear the pump motor coming on (buzzing sound). Then try starting the engine. I'm going to guess that the fuel pump gave out.

 

looks like he thinks the fuel pump is running. but like stated fuel pressure needs to be around 54psi.

 

Got it Running, 1 of the problems was the erg valve stays running now and idles smooth. But the tranny is still acting up when driving after breaking to slow down, not like it did with a jerk when it happened first time but stays in first gear (A413 trans. 3speed). Now codes are 43 and 55. Can the ecm be flashed if so can it be done without taking it to a shop? Any ideas?

 

I have an idea, you DO NOT have a 413 3speed based on what engine you said you have. Only 2.2/2.5 engines came with the 413. you have a 604/41te. you are probably stuck in 2nd gear which is the default "limp-in" mode. there are over a dozen things that can cause this. you have 2 choices for repair, throw parts at it and hope for the best or get someone with a real scanner and read the codes in the transmission control module... this is accessed through the blue diagnostic connector found under the dash near the steering column

(before someone argures about my 413 statement... other engines with the 3speed have different denotation. ie: 3.0 v6 is a 670 1.7vw used a 404.)

 

Ok thanks for the transmission info, One thing I do have is time, one thing I don't have is money. I'll do as I did to find the erg problem and check every sensor I can with the multimeter I know its a long shot but along shot is all I have. Thank you so much for all your time.

 

this is where networking and bartering skills come into play. I often fix peoples cars for free in exchange for some manual labor (rake my yard, pull weeds, sweep my shop as I work on their car etc.). networking is getting to know people that know people that can help. Like the local tech school might be able to diagnose your vehicle as part of a class learning opportunity or maybe the tech school offers a hobby class where for minimal fee you can have access to the shop, tools, scanner and knowledge from an instructor. these are just some examples of how you can solve your money issues.