[5th Gen : 08+]: 2008 Grand Caravan sputtering and stalling
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2008 Grand Caravan sputtering and stalling
I have a 2008 Grand Caravan SXT. It has the 3.8L engine. It has 141,000 miles.
My wife was driving home from work this evening and the van started sputtering and died. She was on the interstate, but was able to get it off the road and in a safe place. She was able to get it to restart and it was fine after that. The clock reset to 12:00 when it died. What could the issue be? I am wondering if it isn't a bad ground at the computer. But, I have no idea where the ground would be. The battery connections are perfectly fine. Tight and clean, with no corrosion.
My wife was driving home from work this evening and the van started sputtering and died. She was on the interstate, but was able to get it off the road and in a safe place. She was able to get it to restart and it was fine after that. The clock reset to 12:00 when it died. What could the issue be? I am wondering if it isn't a bad ground at the computer. But, I have no idea where the ground would be. The battery connections are perfectly fine. Tight and clean, with no corrosion.
Captain
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 553
Likes: 64
There's so many possible reasons for this, it would be almost futile to try and diagnose it without trying to pull codes. Even if the check engine light didn't come on doesn't mean there's no codes to be found.
Many auto parts stores will read codes for free - but keep in mind, they're trying to sell parts, so if, for example, there's a code for the MAF sensor, they're going to tell you it needs a MAF sensor instead of providing a diagnosis.
Many auto parts stores will read codes for free - but keep in mind, they're trying to sell parts, so if, for example, there's a code for the MAF sensor, they're going to tell you it needs a MAF sensor instead of providing a diagnosis.
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
There's so many possible reasons for this, it would be almost futile to try and diagnose it without trying to pull codes. Even if the check engine light didn't come on doesn't mean there's no codes to be found.
Many auto parts stores will read codes for free - but keep in mind, they're trying to sell parts, so if, for example, there's a code for the MAF sensor, they're going to tell you it needs a MAF sensor instead of providing a diagnosis.
Many auto parts stores will read codes for free - but keep in mind, they're trying to sell parts, so if, for example, there's a code for the MAF sensor, they're going to tell you it needs a MAF sensor instead of providing a diagnosis.
Captain
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 553
Likes: 64
Are you using a basic scanner off the shelf? Those usually will only read active codes (check engine light on). It takes a more advanced scan tool to read history or pending codes (no check engine light).
Without codes, here’s the options I see:
1) Swap cars with your wife for a few days and see if it happens again. Keep diagnostic tools with you to check for fuel injector pulse and spark. If your van has a fuel pressure test port, have a pressure gauge on hand too and check for these when it does die.
2) With the engine running, start wiggle testing the harness from the battery to the IPM, then from the IPM to the engine components. Put as much stress as possible on any points where the harness branches off. If the van acts up in one particular spot, the harness should be uncovered and inspected for wiring issues.
3) Call a dealer with the VIN and ask if there’s any known issues with this and what the recommended fix is.
Without codes, here’s the options I see:
1) Swap cars with your wife for a few days and see if it happens again. Keep diagnostic tools with you to check for fuel injector pulse and spark. If your van has a fuel pressure test port, have a pressure gauge on hand too and check for these when it does die.
2) With the engine running, start wiggle testing the harness from the battery to the IPM, then from the IPM to the engine components. Put as much stress as possible on any points where the harness branches off. If the van acts up in one particular spot, the harness should be uncovered and inspected for wiring issues.
3) Call a dealer with the VIN and ask if there’s any known issues with this and what the recommended fix is.
