Hi there,

I have an 03 Grand Caravan with 60k miles. Just recently, I have had
issues starting the van. It will take a couple of attempts of turning
over before it will start. Once in a while I get a smell of gas. I
was able to pull codes, however, no idea what they mean. I know
nothing about cars and hate going to shops because I feel like I get
taken advantage of. Here are the code lists.....Please help me
understand what it means and if it means BIG MONEY?

Thanks.
PO353 Coil #1 is not reaching peak current at the right time
PO352 Coil #2 is not reaching peak current at the right time
PO351 Coil #3 is not reaching peak current at the right time

 

It could be your coil pack is going bad. I assume you have the 3.3L or 3.8L engine. The coil pack provides the spark to the spark plugs. If the plugs aren't firing, you could be smelling the unburn't fuel. An easy test is to find someone with a similiar caravan and swap their coil pack onto your van. The coil pack is easy to switch in and out. Just remember to number your plug wires before pulling them off. The coil pack has the cylinder numbers labeled on it, so that makes it easy to number the wires. Once the plug wires are pulled off, remove the electrical connector on the bottom of the coil pack, then remove the four bolts holding it in place. Reassemble in reverse order. I just priced a new coil pack at NAPA for my 97 Caravan and it runs about $51.