Hi. I own a 2013 grand caravan since new. I have recently begun to notice that the rpm fluctuates by about 100rpm or so on the highway at steady speeds whether using cruise control or not. It seems like the same fluctuations experienced at idle. Has anyone else experienced this, any ideas? My dealer says unless there is check engine light on (it is not) then there is nothing they can do. Could this be a misfire, transmission problem? Thanks.

 

Do you know if the M38 or L41 recalls were done? I would have the dealer check the misfire monitor for any misfire. The check engine doesn't have to be on to have a misfire. There is also a TSB and I would have the dealer check into that too.

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SERVICE BULLETIN 18-007-13, DATED FEBRUARY
12, 2013, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE
HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND THE PARTS REQUIRED SECTION HAS
BEEN REMOVED.
THIS SERVICE BULLETIN IS ALSO BEING RELEASED AS RAPID RESPONSE
TRANSMITTAL (RRT) 13-010. ALL APPLICABLE UN-SOLD RRT VIN's HAVE BEEN
LOADED. TO VERIFY THAT THIS RRT SERVICE ACTION IS APPLICABLE TO THE
VEHICLE, USE VIP OR PERFORM A VIN SEARCH IN TECHCONNECT. ALL REPAIRS
ARE REIMBURSABLE WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF WARRANTY.
SUBJECT:
MIL Illumination P0300 and/or Engine Runs Rough With Factory Fill Fuel
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves filling the fuel tank with an additional 5 gallons of fuel, driving vehicle,
then completing several start/stop cycles. The vehicles involved in this bulletin may contain
factory fill fuel that exceeds allowable Driveability Index (DI) levels.
NOTE: A Service Porter will be able to complete all necessary repair procedure
steps with the exception of Step 7. Only in situations where Step 7 is
necessary, should vehicle be dispatched to a Service Technician to clear
DTCs.
MODELS:
2013 (RT) Town & Country/Grand Caravan
2013 (LC) Challenger
2013 (LD) Charger
2013 (LX) 300
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine (sales code
ERB) built on or before September 14, 2012 (MDH 0914XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The MIL lamp may be illuminated and upon further investigation the Technician may find
DTC P0300 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire has been set active or stored. The Technician may
also notice the engine running rough on initial startup (with or without the MIL illuminated).
NUMBER: 18-007-13 REV. A
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: March 06, 2013
DIAGNOSIS:
If a VIN is listed in VIP or your RRT VIN list, perform the repair procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Add 5 gallons of fuel (regular octane) to vehicle.
2. Drive vehicle for at least 10 minutes (for adequate fuel distribution).
3. After vehicle has been fully warmed, stop engine.
4. Restart vehicle and allow to idle for 2 minutes, then stop engine.
5. Repeat step 4, for a total of 2 start & idle cycles.
6. Was the MIL lamp illuminated?
a. Yes>>> Proceed to Step 7.
b. No>>> Repair complete.
7. Utilizing the wiTECH application, retrieve all stored and/or active DTCs. Were codes
other than P030X set?
a. Yes>>> Further diagnosis is necessary. Follow applicable diagnostic procedures for
the respective DTCs.
b. No>>> Clear DTCs.

 

Thank you. I will look into this. Could there be any danger in driving the vehicle long distances with this happening?

 

Master Tech. I've always been curious. Do you live anywhere near where that natural gas line exploded in San Bruno a couple years ago? I can't even begin to imagine how frightening that must have been for anyone near it or for that matter, the whole city.

 

I have noticed the same phenomenon on my 2011 (112k). The tach needle seems to tick up and down at 100 rpm increments either at idle or while cruising at a steady speed. It's almost like the tick of a second hand on a clock right? The engine seems smooth otherwise and it's not noticeable like a misfire. I assume it's something to do with the tach gauage or its signal (from pcm, crank sensor, or ignition? not sure). No trouble codes or engine light. Cylinder head was replaced with the updated part by the prior owner under warranty at 79k

 

Hi Kevioll, it seems we have the same issue here. I too feel nothing other than seeing the tach needle move. I called it a misfire because I could think of no better way of describing it. How long have you noticed it?

 

I just bought mine a couple weeks ago. I noticed it after the first day or two. I hooked up a scan tool and the rpm display fluctuates on the tool as well as on the tachometer which tells me it probably isn't the gauge. I cleaned the throttle body and replaced the PCV valve with no change. Again, no codes or check engine light. The scan tool showed a jump back and forth from around 610 to 680 every few seconds.

 

Cougar

Yes I live 3 miles from the explosion. I was at the bowling alley that night and that was 2 miles away. Bowling was cancel that night, because some of our members were missing at the time. Later in the week, we found out that everyone was alright.

 

The problem could be the o2 sensors. That why I was asking if the recall M38 or L41 was done.

 

Mastertech: M38 refers to transmission shift issues, and L41 refers to 02 sensor heaters, saying the check engine light would be illuminated. I don't believe either of these is the problem we're experiencing. I observed the live data on my 02 sensors with my scan tool and they seem to be operating normally. I was thinking of replacing them as a maintenance item considering my mileage (113k). Do you think this will solve my problem or what other steps do you recommend?