Hello everyone,
My name is Annie, and I live in California.
AWESOME web site here!!!

My van turns over, but will not start.

I read how to check the engine codes using the check engine light (very cool, didn't know about that until tonight while reading here) and I get code 55.

It was running great-has always started no problem! I parked it last night, went to start it this morning, and it is acting like it is out of gas (but isn't)-no warnings, no weird stuff going on-I don't know what to think or where to start?

Any suggestions would be MOST appreciated-I am a full time student and I need this vehicle running!

Thanks!
Annie

 

Hello
Code 55 means end of codes and is always present. That nothing else flashed is a good thing. From your description I would guess the Auto Shut Down relay had gone bad, but that usually sets a code. Since you have no Code for the ASD relay, I will venture a guess that your In tank Fuel pump has quit.

Get a can of throttle body cleaner and spray that down the throttle body, while cranking the engine. If it catches and runs while you keep spraying the TB cleaner, bingo. Do not do this for long, it can foul the O2 sensor. Another trick that sometimes works to verify a bad fuel pump is rapping the fuel tank while cranking the motor. It just might allow the pump to operate for a while longer. If so, it might be very loud.

Also when the Key is first turned to run, you should be able to hear the fuel pump run for a second or 2. You can stick you ear to the filler tube and have someone else turn the key to make absolutely sure. If you hear nothing, bingo.

Now it is possible the computer is not activating the ASD relay, or the ASD relay is not working properly, or the wiring to the fuel pump is bad somewhere along the path, but fuel pumps wear out, and usually quit at a very bad time and location.

 

1. Have you checked to see if you're getting spark?
2. Is there a heavy smell of gas?
3. Have you sprayed starting fluid down the throat of the engine, then crank it, to see if it will fire at all?

Try these three things and let us know the results.

 

same van , same problem....turned out coil was bad...quick fix

 

OK! Since I live in the sticks by myself, I couldn't exactly listen for the fuel pump when turning the key-and then realized the fuel filter was probably FACTORY (sure looked like it) so after I removed the fuel filter, I put the gas tank end of the line in a coffee can and cranked-FUEL!!!!!!!! Thank gawd it is not the fuel pump (I can't tell you how relieved I was at that, I have the 35 gallon tank and was DREADING having to drop that) not to mention fuel pumps are super expensive)

Put on a fresh fuel filter (25 bux) and after about 10 seconds of cranking, she started right up!

Then last night, in a parking lot, same problem again. Cranked but wouldn't start. I couldn't believe it.

After a minute or two she did start, runs smooth as can be. Now with the mention of the coil, I think that with 140K miles on this van it would probably be a good idea to get a new one...

Can I visually inspect the old one to see what's going on in there? I will replace it regardless, but seeing if it is cracked or anything will just make me feel better knowing I replaced the right part-I really don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere! Oh, and if someone could tell me where exactly the coil is, I'd appreciate it. I don't have any books or anything for my van...so am unsure where to look and don't want to have to "take the middle out" if I don't have to.

Thanks so much!!

Annie

 

coil is on the front passenger side below the alternator. simply follow the wire from the distributor cap back to it. or i should say forward to it. there are a few tests that can be done to the coil with an ohm meter. i had an 94 v6 that had similar problems run sometimes wouldnt crank others.

 

Thanks for the help!

I am ready to drive this van over a cliff!!

Replaced the coil, distributor cap, points-and she ran GREAT...that is...until NOW. Same issue...

I sprayed starter fluid down the hatch and yup, she starts until it burns out...

Looks like there isn't anything left except the fuel pump?

I am SO ticked off-I just topped off the (35 gallon) tank last night-
I think the pump has been intermittently working...I dunno what else to think.

This is going to be soooo fun...(NOT!)

 

How you gonna drive it over a cliff if it won't start?

BTW you van does not have points.

Dropping the fuel tank is a PITA, especially when it is full.

Mine quit in a small Town in Baja California, and I wound up driving it to the side of the road by spraying TB cleaner down the TB.

I had about 25 gallons in it at the time, and got some help from a local farmer/mechanic

He drove into Ensenada to get a new fuel pump, and by 2 in the morning I was on my way again. He accepted 20$, a cordless drill, a headlamp , and about 5 gallons of gas that I did not want to risk returning to my tank from the dirty container we used to transfer it.



Do try listening for the pump, checking for codes, and rapping the tank with a fist first. Because if it is bad wiring or the ASD relay that is the issue, dropping the tank to replace the pump will have been an even worse PITA.

 

My bad, I was thinking of my Jeep!!

Rotor and distributor cap as well as ignition coil and fuel filter have all been replaced. I continue to get a code 55-over and over again. I've beat on the tank-believe me!

Wouldn't a bad ASD relay give me a code? My gas gauge doesn't work, and hasn't worked in about a year-maybe longer-but I've always just used my odometer so I don't run out of gas.

 

I am 70% sure a malfunctioning ASD will set a code. There is a code for a malfunctioning ASD.

Since you are not getting a code 12, that tell me you have not disconnected the battery in a while. For grins, Go disconnect the battery for a while, and see if it starts. You should then get a code 12 in addition to a 55.

There have been reports of early failure with aftermarket fuel pumps in magnum era vans. I urge you to search this forum, and the other one where they Talk about Dodges, for more info.

You inoperable gas gauge is ringing bells too.