Chrysler Repair: 2001 caravan engine issue, throttle position sensor, tps harness


Question
QUESTION: i have a 2001 dodge caravan with the 3.3 flex fuel engine it started running rough and the ignition system started missing and the exhaust was smelling very rich.  i had codes p0122 p0123 p0205 p0135 p0442 p0455 i replaced the throttle position sensor and the coil pack.  this did not seem to fix the problem.  i reset the codes and the only code that came back was the 122 and 123 codes i disconnected the throttle position sensor and ran the car for aprox 5 min reconnected the sensor and the car ran fine for 3 days then the symptoms returned.  along with all of the codes i repeated the fix of disconnecting the tps and the car is now running fine with no codes showing Now the A/C is not working the compressor is not turning on anyone have a clue what is wrong with the car!!!  is there any other tests i can do to see if the pcm is the actual problem

ANSWER: Hi Charles,
The variety of codes is such that one would look for a "common mode" failure, something that is common to all. I looked over the wiring diagrams for the fuel injection circuit but can't see such a link. The tps operates with a different supply voltage from the oxygen sensor and the injector. The multipin disconnects are not shared. The signal/driver wires are not exclusively on one plug of the pcm, but except for the injector driver the TPS, O2 sensor, and evap pump are all on the plug with pins 41-80. It could be these are all independent problems.
My inclination would be to check the TPS harness wires for any signs of heat damage. Similarly check the upstream O2 sensor wires and test the heater wires for continuity(dark green/orange to black). I would check the hoses of the evaporative leak system for a faulty connection or cracked hose (the canister is under the van on the frame directly under the driver seat while the pump is on the cradle under the engine and there are several hoses involved in the system to check it out completely). Injector 5 may be breaking down or there could be an intermittent open in its gray driver wire connection and pin 15 of the pcm.
There are codes for pcm failure, but none of those are showing up yet. So I would assume these are independent. It would be worth looking at the 2 plugs for any sign of dirt/water intrusion that might affect multiple pin and therefore multiple circuits.
The AC may be unrelated to the engine codes, for example just low on refrigerant, so check that out first.
I wish I saw a magic bullet, but if you find one please let me know.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: do you have a pinout for the pcm on this car i cant find one to try to check the wires of these sensors you gave me a few of them but i would like to have a full pinout for future issues.  thank you for all your help

Answer
Hi Charles,
Sure, use the "thank/rate" tab and enter your postal mailing address and I'll xerox and postal mail the pages for the 3.3L engine from my '98 manual. Unless your has what is called a NCG controller (which I think came in around '02-03 these should still apply. You will know when you start checking.
Roland

The pages are in the mail.