OK, finally got a chance to work on my van a bit. I called the local dealer, and they said if the speedometer isn't working and its in limp mode, its almost certainly the speed output sensor. I'm going to order one from the local auto parts store, but in the meantime, I dumped the battery, cleared the codes, and now I only have the P1684 (battery has been disconnected) code, but one other problem started during the last few days before I pulled the battery. The van is hard to start - it cranks and cranks and usually I just let off, turn the key back over and it fires right up then. - Any ideas here? Should I start with dry gas?? - It doesn't seem to have any problems with getting fuel, as it will idle and drive fine once it starts.

Oh, and btw, does anybody know exactly where the speed output sensor is located on an 03 caravan ?

 

Hey 3fingersalute,

Your observation about the heavy battery terminal corrosion struck a chord with me. I'm experiencing similar symtoms: PRNDL boxes, hard starting, gauges & radio & AC blower not working, and all dash trouble indicator lights on. Dealer has had it for three weeks and found battery acid had leaked from the battery onto the wiring harnesses below. Corrosion built up in the wires cauing these problems. All controllers (trany, abs, bcm, etc) are wired back to the PCM through these harnesses. Any damaged or shorted wires can be feeding the PCM with erronious signals causing the harder starting and transmission symptoms. It would be worth a look at your battery and controller wiring located below it.

spaceman

 

Aren't your problems covered by the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty?

I admit Chrysler sucks with the warranty compared to KIA.

 

Actually, you hit the nail on the head. Its in at the local dealership right now, and they called and that's exactly what they found, but still waiting for a call to tell me its done. I'll post exact results when I get it back.

 

Well, if it was under 3 years old or under 36,000 miles, but its neither

 

Apparently either this is a hard problem to fix, or I'm getting blown off, because my van has been at the local dealer for a week now - [:@], and they still have no clue when it will be done.

This sucks.