2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with 3.8L Engine. Been searching for hours and can't find an answer to a question I have (probably because I don't know what exactly to search for). In attached picture, what exactly is this (I assume sensor) and what does it do? Reason I ask is that it is a bit loose and doesn't want to tighten, so I want to know if I should be worried about it. Thanks.

 

Can't really tell by the picture. If there is no check engine light, no driveability issues, no leaks, etc, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I don't know what your arrow is pointing at, but i really like your nice, clean engine.

 

I pulled this attached image from Google Images. See just above the oil fill cap, there is what appears to be a sensor with a red clip on top? That's the one that's loose.

Problem is, I am actually getting an engine light. What happens is the van runs fine... heat and A/C all good... but when the temperature gauge starts to go above the midway point suggesting the engine is getting a bit hot, the temp gauge will bottom out to zero, check engine light comes on, and the electronic throttle light comes on (lightening bolt with )( surrounding it) and the radiator fan goes on super high speed. It will stay like this until I kill the engine. I can then go anywhere from a few minutes to a few days before it happens again. Seems like when the engine is getting too hot, something is happening (or not happening) that the van doesn't like. No code is revealed when turning key three times... just says -done-.

Radiator is full, reservoir is full, fluid is clean and good, heat works fine, A/C works fine - just this weird behavior. Thermostat was replaced, problem still persists. So when I was poking around, I noticed that this particular sensor (or what ever it is) is loose, and wonder if it has anything to do with the symptoms since it is so close to the upper rad hose.

 

Thanks! It is really hard to keep clean, but I try my best. :-) Just added a reply with another image attached, that offers a better angle and a wider view. Maybe this will help.

 

That is one of the six fuel injectors, you can see two more injectors under the upper intake.

 

Awesome... thanks! Makes sense when you point out the other ones. As I am not experiencing any issues with fuel, I won't worry about it then. It's not falling out or anything but it did bother me that it seemed loose. Thanks again. Now I just have to solve my other problem.

 

They are sealed by O-rings. They don't tighten down. The rail holds them in place.

 

Gotcha. Thanks for the info!

 

I'm always on a limb when I talk about 5th generation vans because I have zero experience with them. That said, on any other van the fact your temp gauge is erratic and the rad fans are following suit tells me your engine coolant temp sensor or it's wiring is headed south. Not sure how the ETC light is tied in. No key dance code? Try reading it with a scanner...free at many parts stores. Course the CE light needs to be on.