hello, i have a check engine light on my 97 grand caravan 3.3 with the electronic 4 sp automatic, codes came up as p1698..no ccd message from tcm and i also got a p0500 no veh speed sensor signal....my prnd21 on the dash has all boxes around them and trans seems to be in limp mode...funnty thing is when i start the van, i have no mileage or prnd21 lit up and no tach,fuel gauge operation...but as soon as i put it in gear..it all comes to life....what gives?...where to start looking?
thanks

 

I would suggest starting with your ingition switch. It's inexpensive and may just correct the problem. Switch is located just down the steering column.

 

I agree with computerpulse and would like to add there might be a loose wire thats getting moved when the gear shift lever is moved.this wire may or may not be under the dash.It could be outside around the transmission shift cable.
There's a speed sensor located between the cooler lines on the top of the transmission you might need to replace also.I got the new version for $20 at a Dodge dealer.I think they goofed on the price though,another dealer quoted me on for $50 but were out of stock.

 

Thespeed sensor on its own will only cause it to limp. I would think it more likely that whatever else is going on is causing the TCM to throw the speed sensor code. BTW, dealer #2 is trying to screw you. I paid CAN$35 last year for this sensor. Given the exchange rate, the fact that we get screwed on just about everything up here and that RockAuto (man, I wish I had access to these prices)sell the sensor for $13.58your $20 sounds about right.

 

after checking almost everything..the problem wastraced tothe junction block....ordered from the dealer and 300.00 dollars later...away we go....solved the problems....

 

after a week.....van relapsed......same codes and all....

 

update, bad ground wire in the harness under the battery....problem solved 2day......lets drive and see......yee ha....

 

Amazingly my wifes 98 GC had the same problem. We also had a bad switch for the vent/floor/defrost selction on the heat/ac control panel. I swapped out the panel and the problem was gone. I have no idea how the 2 issues are related but its fixed and thats the only thing I did to it.