On board diagnostics
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 24
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RE: On board diagnostics
I get the MIL or CEL (Whichever you want to call it) only after the engine turns on. When I did the ignition trick to get the code, all I get is 55's, which according to allpar.com is saying the codes are done. Any thoughts?
Champion
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 5
From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas)
RE: On board diagnostics
MTRam, do you mean, as soon as you turn the key forward? Try this: turn the key to ON (not start) and leave it there. If the light goes on after a few seconds, this is normal. It's called the bulb check.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
RE: On board diagnostics
DodgeRules86,
I appreciate you getting back to me so soon.
Sorry should have been more explanatory. When I turn the key to on, it performs the bulb check normally, then goes out. When I start the engine, it comes on and stays on. It is a 99 Grand Caravan, aprox 131k, I think the 3.8l, would have to double check on that.
In essence, the MIL doesn't come on until after the engine is running. Any ideas?
I appreciate you getting back to me so soon.
Sorry should have been more explanatory. When I turn the key to on, it performs the bulb check normally, then goes out. When I start the engine, it comes on and stays on. It is a 99 Grand Caravan, aprox 131k, I think the 3.8l, would have to double check on that.
In essence, the MIL doesn't come on until after the engine is running. Any ideas?
Champion
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 5
From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas)
RE: On board diagnostics
ORIGINAL: MTRam
DodgeRules86,
I appreciate you getting back to me so soon.
Sorry should have been more explanatory. When I turn the key to on, it performs the bulb check normally, then goes out. When I start the engine, it comes on and stays on. It is a 99 Grand Caravan, aprox 131k, I think the 3.8l, would have to double check on that.
In essence, the MIL doesn't come on until after the engine is running. Any ideas?
DodgeRules86,
I appreciate you getting back to me so soon.
Sorry should have been more explanatory. When I turn the key to on, it performs the bulb check normally, then goes out. When I start the engine, it comes on and stays on. It is a 99 Grand Caravan, aprox 131k, I think the 3.8l, would have to double check on that.
In essence, the MIL doesn't come on until after the engine is running. Any ideas?
I would also recommend browsing the TSB's .
You could probably go to a stealership and talking to an actual mechanic there, and see if you can pry some free information out of them. Let us know what you find.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
RE: On board diagnostics
Exactly! What I mean is, yesterday, before I read your last reply, I went to Checker Auto Parts. They will run the scanner and print out the checks on paper for you for free. Turns out, it was the old gas cap trick. He shut the code off, and it has not come back on since. Thank you DodgeRules and Checker.