[4th Gen : 01-07]: spark plugs soot
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Joined: May 2013
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Running the way you describe, it seems that there must be one or more OBD codes set. Have you tried having them read yet? If not do that before anything else. Many of the parts stores do this for free, or you can do this yourself via the 'key dance' (search on that for instructions). Hopefully there will be a code (other than P03**) that will point to the specific problem.
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Joined: Dec 2015
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Running the way you describe, it seems that there must be one or more OBD codes set. Have you tried having them read yet? If not do that before anything else. Many of the parts stores do this for free, or you can do this yourself via the 'key dance' (search on that for instructions). Hopefully there will be a code (other than P03**) that will point to the specific problem.
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The problem is: I replaced the battery and lost the codes. It does not run well enough I do not think for the codes to reset. I have a 2002 town and country with the same engine. I was wondering if I could change out the map sensor and see if that may be the problem????
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Joined: May 2013
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Unfortunately the codes are generic ones, only confirm the suspected diagnosis of running too rich, and will not directly help resolve the problem.
The MAPs on your 2 vehicles are not the same, probably due to the major difference in PCM/TCM (the earlier van has 2 separate computers while the newer one has the single NGC PCM).
Have you carefully examined the MAP sensor connector and all related wiring? One other thing to try is removing and cleaning the MAP sensor. If that doesn't help at all, then try disconnecting the MAP electrical connector and see if the van runs significantly different. And you can also do the same for the upstream O2 sensor, however that one is a good deal more difficult to get to without a lift.
If none of that helps, you might consider trying junkyard MAP and O2 sensors from a U-pull, assuming you have one nearby. This type of part hanging can be much less expensive than buying new parts, when the root cause is unclear.
The MAPs on your 2 vehicles are not the same, probably due to the major difference in PCM/TCM (the earlier van has 2 separate computers while the newer one has the single NGC PCM).
Have you carefully examined the MAP sensor connector and all related wiring? One other thing to try is removing and cleaning the MAP sensor. If that doesn't help at all, then try disconnecting the MAP electrical connector and see if the van runs significantly different. And you can also do the same for the upstream O2 sensor, however that one is a good deal more difficult to get to without a lift.
If none of that helps, you might consider trying junkyard MAP and O2 sensors from a U-pull, assuming you have one nearby. This type of part hanging can be much less expensive than buying new parts, when the root cause is unclear.
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 13
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Unfortunately the codes are generic ones, only confirm the suspected diagnosis of running too rich, and will not directly help resolve the problem.
The MAPs on your 2 vehicles are not the same, probably due to the major difference in PCM/TCM (the earlier van has 2 separate computers while the newer one has the single NGC PCM).
Have you carefully examined the MAP sensor connector and all related wiring? One other thing to try is removing and cleaning the MAP sensor. If that doesn't help at all, then try disconnecting the MAP electrical connector and see if the van runs significantly different. And you can also do the same for the upstream O2 sensor, however that one is a good deal more difficult to get to without a lift.
If none of that helps, you might consider trying junkyard MAP and O2 sensors from a U-pull, assuming you have one nearby. This type of part hanging can be much less expensive than buying new parts, when the root cause is unclear.
The MAPs on your 2 vehicles are not the same, probably due to the major difference in PCM/TCM (the earlier van has 2 separate computers while the newer one has the single NGC PCM).
Have you carefully examined the MAP sensor connector and all related wiring? One other thing to try is removing and cleaning the MAP sensor. If that doesn't help at all, then try disconnecting the MAP electrical connector and see if the van runs significantly different. And you can also do the same for the upstream O2 sensor, however that one is a good deal more difficult to get to without a lift.
If none of that helps, you might consider trying junkyard MAP and O2 sensors from a U-pull, assuming you have one nearby. This type of part hanging can be much less expensive than buying new parts, when the root cause is unclear.
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i spoke to a mechanic and he said it sounded like the egr valve stuck open. I am trying to locate where that is on the van. I also read where some 3.8 engines do not have an egr valve. Help??????????
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Joined: May 2013
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I would expect a stuck EGR to set a code, but can't say for certain that's true. EGR is located on the top left side. The valve is attached to the head, with a tube running to the intake, attached by 2 bolts just left of the '3.8' plate. The valve itself can be a bit of a pain to remove and install, due to the proximity to the alternator. A good selection of small sockets is good to have for this job.