bummer, it worked on my van. maybe I'm thinking gen2... hard to keep track when I've owned nearly 1000 minivans over the years. but I can still remember my very first one (1984 cargo 2.2 5speed)

it would be easy to test the circuit by grounding the tan wire under the PDC then hitting the key.

I still think this whole scenario is totally odd. really the computer is fried from running something over??. nearly a grand to replace the computer?!? that's the strangest deal I've ever heard.

 

After I talked to the mechanics at the shop again, here is the whole story (which they did not tell me before):
Because the van did not start at all, even did not engage the starter solenoid, they checked every fuse ind the box and removed every relais and putted them back in. After that, the starter worked and the van would start. But as soon as they hitted the gas, the engine stalled. The diagnostic computer told them: throttle switch out of range, battery low, coolant out of range (with the last I am not sure, if I remember that right!). After they have changed the throttle switch, there was no difference, so they decided that it has to be the ECM. (after reseting the errorcodes, all of them came back!) I will let them change the ECM now, hopeing to get my van back a.s.a.p.! But I am sure, the insurance is the same like we have them in Germany, they never want to pay ... (I think an attorney will be too expensive, so I have to leave it like it is and pay the 1,200.-$, (parts, labour, taxes), maybe I can offer them a downpayment ...)
Thanks for all your help folks!

 

Let us know if it fixes the problem.

 

BAD MECHANICS take it somewhere else. there is NO SUCH part as a throttle switch. it's obvious they are throwing parts at it instead of actually finding the problem. one person on here suggested a valid point of wiring getting damaged like shorted which will cause communications problems to sensors.

problem with dealers is it's easier/faster to throw parts at it instead of actually spending time diagnosing.

I had a chevy s-10 blazer come through my shop about 10 years ago with a lack of power complaint and poor gas mileage. other shops installed computers, distributors, even the catalytic converter. after spending nearly $1000 over a years time, the owner was really distraught. He got my name from his neighbor that I sold a car to. Well I took an hour to trouble shoot the van and found that the timing was not advancing. I even used a timing light to see what was happening. Then I pulled up the wiring diagrams and found the spark advance wire was not reading properly... I worked through the harness and found the wire connector broken behind the glove box. my total time was 1.5 hrs I charged the customer $80 and they just about kissed me when it ran perfect.

Point is, you need to be more educated so you can ask the right questions and understand the answers.. or take someone with you that has some mechanical background... don't know anyone, use networking skills (work, church, friends, neighbors, high school auto teacher, etc)

 

I know that's my problem, I love to throw parts!!

 

I've literally thrown parts... the tach out of my 66 mustang road race car. spend all night putting in a Boss 302 for road racing the next day.. got the car together at 2am, went start and no fire. spend time trying to figure out why no spark.. frustrated now 3am changing coils, distributors points, I found the tach shorted internally. I ripped it off the column and threw it down the road... at least I made it to the track and finished 3rd in my division. that's my "throwing parts" scenario