2005 Caravan Bogs Down, Cannot Diagnose
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2005 Caravan Bogs Down, Cannot Diagnose
New to this forum; thanks for any help and advice in advance. Subject is a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.3, 245K miles. Just purchased. The previous owner cannot be contacted. At 50% or less throttle, the van accelerates smoothly to any RPM up to and including redline, and shifts smooth as silk. Here is the problem:
If full throttle is applied from a dead stop, the van struggles as if it's towing 10,000 pounds. It's like 75% of the available power simply vanishes. We're talking 15 seconds or more to 'wind out' in low gear. But again, if you apply 50% or less, the entire process is powerful and seamless.
If you apply full throttle after the van is already moving - say, 30MPH - it runs great with full power until it reaches 3600RPM, whereupon it falls flat on its face. It will repeat, every time, 3600RPM. The sensation is like the AC compressor kicking in, but with about 20 times the drag. It will continue to 'wind out' to redline, but again with that (approximately) 75% power reduction I mentioned earlier.
The van was showing P401, EGR, and P0032, O2 sensor heater circuit high. Both were replaced with factory OEM pieces. P401 cleared right away; P0032 will clear but will NOT remain cleared for more than just a few seconds. There are no other codes of any kind. Fuel pressure has been checked, idling and under load. The catalytic converter was replaced 200 miles ago by the previous owner, probably as a result of guessing at the problem. All wiring has carefully been checked for poor grounds, chafing, shorts, whatever.
The van has been examined by a first-rate independent mechanic with all the latest SnapOn diagnostic equipment, and by the local Dodge dealer, who confirmed everything the independent diagnosed. The dealer is saying 'possible computer problem', however, there is no indication from their diagnostics that the computer is defective. I'm not willing to throw an expensive new computer on the van, guessing, hoping it will fix the problem. I need an accurate diagnosis first.
Any and all advice will be much appreciated. Thanks again.
If full throttle is applied from a dead stop, the van struggles as if it's towing 10,000 pounds. It's like 75% of the available power simply vanishes. We're talking 15 seconds or more to 'wind out' in low gear. But again, if you apply 50% or less, the entire process is powerful and seamless.
If you apply full throttle after the van is already moving - say, 30MPH - it runs great with full power until it reaches 3600RPM, whereupon it falls flat on its face. It will repeat, every time, 3600RPM. The sensation is like the AC compressor kicking in, but with about 20 times the drag. It will continue to 'wind out' to redline, but again with that (approximately) 75% power reduction I mentioned earlier.
The van was showing P401, EGR, and P0032, O2 sensor heater circuit high. Both were replaced with factory OEM pieces. P401 cleared right away; P0032 will clear but will NOT remain cleared for more than just a few seconds. There are no other codes of any kind. Fuel pressure has been checked, idling and under load. The catalytic converter was replaced 200 miles ago by the previous owner, probably as a result of guessing at the problem. All wiring has carefully been checked for poor grounds, chafing, shorts, whatever.
The van has been examined by a first-rate independent mechanic with all the latest SnapOn diagnostic equipment, and by the local Dodge dealer, who confirmed everything the independent diagnosed. The dealer is saying 'possible computer problem', however, there is no indication from their diagnostics that the computer is defective. I'm not willing to throw an expensive new computer on the van, guessing, hoping it will fix the problem. I need an accurate diagnosis first.
Any and all advice will be much appreciated. Thanks again.
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Thanks for the reply - we are concerned about the P0032, but not to the point that I'm willing to install a new computer just because some Dodge tech 'thinks' that's where the problem lies. There's no diagnostic evidence (none that anyone's found up to this point) that there's a computer issue, and a thorough physical inspection, ohming, and such, has determined there are no shorts to ground, etc. as it relates to the O2 sensor.
Obviously, something's not right; a screw needs turning....I simply need to know which screw it is. This afternoon, the van is going to a regional dealer who reputedly has one of the finest level 3 Chrysler technicians in this part of the state. We'll see what he comes up with and go from there. Again, thanks for responding.
Obviously, something's not right; a screw needs turning....I simply need to know which screw it is. This afternoon, the van is going to a regional dealer who reputedly has one of the finest level 3 Chrysler technicians in this part of the state. We'll see what he comes up with and go from there. Again, thanks for responding.
