[4th Gen : 01-07]: 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3 - High Idle/Surging/Jumping Speedometer
#11
12-20-2012 | 08:39 PM
Record Breaker
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: SoCal
#12
12-28-2012 | 06:43 PM
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
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I had speed input / output sensor changed. It didn't fix it. Then had the speed clutch selonoid replaced still no luck. This morning when I left the house it was comfortable enough not to use the air or the heat and at the first stop sign I had no issues, it went like that for awhile, I noticed if I turned it on the speedometer went crazy again. I turned it off and tried the power window. Speedometer went crazy. I then turned on the lights and it happened again. I do think anyone that said its electrical is right. I'm brining the van back to the shop this weekend and want to be as informed as possible. Did the alternator replacement fix this issue?
#17
12-05-2013 | 06:31 PM
New Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2003 Dodge Caravan electrical issues...
Hello All,
This is my first post here. I am hoping to find an answer to an ongoing problem that I have had for nearly a month now.
I started about a month ago in deciding to have the alternator and serpentine replace because there was a consistent bearing rattling in the alternator that was getting worse and I did not want to be left stranded. That was replaced at a shop.
After getting the van back it began to develop a high idle. I noticed it mainly when it was in gear. The van would want to jump forward.
I took the van back to the shop that put the alternator on assuming that something with the alternator was causing the problem. They looked it over and ran there scanners on the alternator and battery and found not problems.
I then began to develop a problem with the speedometer jumping from 0-30 sometimes even up to 70 while idling.
With a friend I decided to try running Sea Foam through the vacuum. We had a lot of smoke like it was supposed to and got rid of the carbon build up but the problems remained.
A short time later I had a leak in my radiator core which was under warranty at a different shop. I took the van there and he replaced the radiator. I asked him to also look into the jumping and speedometer problem. He told me that the speedometer was likely going bad given the needle jumps and that the idle and jumping issue may be caused by the throttle body sticking. He gave me instructions and I proceeded to clean out the throttle body myself with throttle body cleaner and an old tooth brush. The problem remained.
I went a long trip and during I noticed that my gas gauge was not going up quickly after refilling. I would have to drive a few miles until the meter would rise and show the amount of gas that I had put in. But it did (and does still) work...just rises slowly after a refill. During that trip the speedometer also spun all the way around to the opposite side of the 'stop' at '0'. It stayed that way for several days but then spun back and began working again.
Shorty after returning from the trip the van developed a shifting issue. It would get stuck in second gear. I learned that it was the vans 'limp mode.' I got it in to the shop who repaired the radiator. He read the codes and told me that it looked to be something with the transmission (If I remember correct the codes were for the gear ratio and the speed sensor...not 100% sure though). He recommended a transmission shop for me to take the van to.
I took the van to the transmission shop that was recommended just last week. They diagnosed it and said that the culprit for all of the problems was the transmission control module. The showed me the TCM and it was very corroded. They said that likely water got inside. They also suggested to replace both speed sensors because there was metal build up on both. So new TCM and both new speed sensors. I got the van back on Monday.
Yesterday, only two days later I started to have the jumping/high idle again and the speedometer going all over. In the two days I had it I also noted a light screeching sound occasionally when it shifted from first to second.
I am at a total loss for what could be wrong. Right now it is back at the transmission shop but I am not confident that they will actually fix the issue. Lately this has been a non-stop money-sucking van.
If anyone has had similar issues that they have remedied I would greatly appreciate your insight!
This is my first post here. I am hoping to find an answer to an ongoing problem that I have had for nearly a month now.
I started about a month ago in deciding to have the alternator and serpentine replace because there was a consistent bearing rattling in the alternator that was getting worse and I did not want to be left stranded. That was replaced at a shop.
After getting the van back it began to develop a high idle. I noticed it mainly when it was in gear. The van would want to jump forward.
I took the van back to the shop that put the alternator on assuming that something with the alternator was causing the problem. They looked it over and ran there scanners on the alternator and battery and found not problems.
I then began to develop a problem with the speedometer jumping from 0-30 sometimes even up to 70 while idling.
With a friend I decided to try running Sea Foam through the vacuum. We had a lot of smoke like it was supposed to and got rid of the carbon build up but the problems remained.
A short time later I had a leak in my radiator core which was under warranty at a different shop. I took the van there and he replaced the radiator. I asked him to also look into the jumping and speedometer problem. He told me that the speedometer was likely going bad given the needle jumps and that the idle and jumping issue may be caused by the throttle body sticking. He gave me instructions and I proceeded to clean out the throttle body myself with throttle body cleaner and an old tooth brush. The problem remained.
I went a long trip and during I noticed that my gas gauge was not going up quickly after refilling. I would have to drive a few miles until the meter would rise and show the amount of gas that I had put in. But it did (and does still) work...just rises slowly after a refill. During that trip the speedometer also spun all the way around to the opposite side of the 'stop' at '0'. It stayed that way for several days but then spun back and began working again.
Shorty after returning from the trip the van developed a shifting issue. It would get stuck in second gear. I learned that it was the vans 'limp mode.' I got it in to the shop who repaired the radiator. He read the codes and told me that it looked to be something with the transmission (If I remember correct the codes were for the gear ratio and the speed sensor...not 100% sure though). He recommended a transmission shop for me to take the van to.
I took the van to the transmission shop that was recommended just last week. They diagnosed it and said that the culprit for all of the problems was the transmission control module. The showed me the TCM and it was very corroded. They said that likely water got inside. They also suggested to replace both speed sensors because there was metal build up on both. So new TCM and both new speed sensors. I got the van back on Monday.
Yesterday, only two days later I started to have the jumping/high idle again and the speedometer going all over. In the two days I had it I also noted a light screeching sound occasionally when it shifted from first to second.
I am at a total loss for what could be wrong. Right now it is back at the transmission shop but I am not confident that they will actually fix the issue. Lately this has been a non-stop money-sucking van.
If anyone has had similar issues that they have remedied I would greatly appreciate your insight!
Hello Sir,
I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan with the same issues. I had two electrical harness replaced that is located under the motor. I had the output sensor, value control selonoid, pcv valve and the transmission rebuilt. Still experiencing the same problem you have. Oh, and i also replaced the cluster holding the all the clocks, velocity gauge, rpm gauge etc. Nothing has worked. The last alternative is to replace the electrical harness under the dash board. That will be done this weekend. I have already spent over $2,000.00. If this does not work, I will nuke Dodge. Just kidding. But you know how I feel.
Sincerely, frustrated customer.
#19
12-05-2013 | 07:52 PM
WoW! That scares me. I have a 2002 3.3.
As a very mechanical individual, a retired industrial production maintenance tech & machinist, troubleshooting and maintenance is my trade.
When I see posts with issues like this I can only think if it were me I would have it at an established Dodge/MOPAR dealership pronto.
Some of us may avoid dealerships due to the possibility of higher costs but in the case of sever symptoms that are not obvious, and proprietary to a certain manufacturers product, my behind is taking it to the pros who know.
I have also found in the recent years that many dealerships have become more competitive.
I know you have lots of cash invested in your troubles so far, I can only suggest you cut your losses and make it less of a gamble and get it into a MOPAR dealership. Chances are they have seen it all before and can nail it down.
Good Luck
As a very mechanical individual, a retired industrial production maintenance tech & machinist, troubleshooting and maintenance is my trade.
When I see posts with issues like this I can only think if it were me I would have it at an established Dodge/MOPAR dealership pronto.
Some of us may avoid dealerships due to the possibility of higher costs but in the case of sever symptoms that are not obvious, and proprietary to a certain manufacturers product, my behind is taking it to the pros who know.
I have also found in the recent years that many dealerships have become more competitive.
I know you have lots of cash invested in your troubles so far, I can only suggest you cut your losses and make it less of a gamble and get it into a MOPAR dealership. Chances are they have seen it all before and can nail it down.
Good Luck
#20
12-06-2013 | 10:32 AM
Veteran
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 5
Hello Sir,
I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan with the same issues. I had two electrical harness replaced that is located under the motor. I had the output sensor, value control selonoid, pcv valve and the transmission rebuilt. Still experiencing the same problem you have. Oh, and i also replaced the cluster holding the all the clocks, velocity gauge, rpm gauge etc. Nothing has worked. The last alternative is to replace the electrical harness under the dash board. That will be done this weekend. I have already spent over $2,000.00. If this does not work, I will nuke Dodge. Just kidding. But you know how I feel.
Sincerely, frustrated customer.
I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan with the same issues. I had two electrical harness replaced that is located under the motor. I had the output sensor, value control selonoid, pcv valve and the transmission rebuilt. Still experiencing the same problem you have. Oh, and i also replaced the cluster holding the all the clocks, velocity gauge, rpm gauge etc. Nothing has worked. The last alternative is to replace the electrical harness under the dash board. That will be done this weekend. I have already spent over $2,000.00. If this does not work, I will nuke Dodge. Just kidding. But you know how I feel.
Sincerely, frustrated customer.
A quality shop will diagnose, find the problem, and repair it the first time (or maybe the second for really tough ones). You are dealing with a part-hanger and/or a rip-off artist.
Find another shop asap. Or better yet, get into DIY and do your own (much less expensive) part hanging.