Is there a way to check the codes on a 2005 Caravan without taking the van into a shop

 

Cycle to key from acc to on (not start) 3 times leaving it at on. Read the codes off the odometer display.

 

Thanks I remember doing something like that years ago but could not remember the steps.

 

You can also take it into an auto parts store like AutoZone or O'Reilly. They will usually do it for free.

 

OK I checked and got A U-0155 which I found out is an ICP issue. Never heard of an ICP because I learned my mechanics on earlier model cars 60-80s. How is this corrected.

 

Could you mean IPC or Instrument Panel Cluster module? U0155 means the data bus lost communications with the IPC. I'm not at all familiar with 5th generation vans so that's about as far as I can go. I wasn't even aware the key dance could give you communications fault codes so you just taught me something.

 

It should read IPC (fat thumb syndrome on my end). Van appears to be running fine right now with the exception of the check engine light being on. I have another thread posted the day before this one which stated all the lights on and none of the gauges working. The next morning all the lights went out and the gauges began to work again. I had to jump the van to start.

 

They took a giant leap in complexity from the 4th to the 5th generation vans where the data bus components are concerned. You just about have to have a dealer or shop check it out with advanced scanners to get it working. Without it you're shooting in the dark and that can get expensive. You can check connections etc but it's tough for a DIYer to go beyond that anymore. Next time it fails check the cluster and TIPM connections for corrosion or any damage and try the old tried and true "smack/shake it" test. If something miraculously comes alive you at least have a clue where the culprit is.