Chrysler Repair: 2001 Chrysler T & C engine control light, chrysler minivan, correct diagnosis

Question
Hi Russel,

on my Chrysler minivan the control light is on permanantly. The reading I get from the car is P1684 (battery has been disconnected within past 50 starts). Whatever that means. I have since gotten a new battery. The light is still on. At the shop (I have been using the car in Germany since we relocated) they told me, that the engine control module is defective. Now, that is a totally different matter. Why does the car itself give me a different reading? Can I trust the mechanics giving me a correct diagnosis. It would be expensive to try a trial-and-error-approach. Or are the German computers all wrong? The car is running fine.

Thanks for any help.

Sylvia

Answer
The code P1684 is only an indicator that the computers memory has been cleared. There are no diagnostics for it. If the "CHECK ENGINE" light is always on and there are no other codes it is possible that there is an internal problem with the computer. I can't really speak to whether you can't trust the mechanics. Try talking to the customers they have to get their opinions.