QuestionQUESTION: I have a 95 van that stalled out on me the other day three or four times and would start up again but only run for a minute and then stall out again. The last time I went to start it, it wouldn't start and now has no spark, but does want to turn over.
ANSWER: Hi Birdie,
Because your van is a '95 it is still OBD I fault code system. So take the ignition key and turn it:"on-off-on-off-on and leave it on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light which remains "on" to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat to be sure you have an accurate count. Then group the numbers in pairs in order of appearance to form the 2-digit fault code numbers. The last number will always be 55, which is "end of readout".
Then either write back or go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a code listing. That is the most efficient way to move ahead.
I suspect the problem is one of the sensors for the cam/crank position based on what you recounted. But let us see what the codes say.
Roland
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QUESTION: thank you for the info, I checked the codes and they were 12, 11, and 55 being the end, if you could tell me what that means, it would be wonderful.. thank you so very much,, Birdie
AnswerHi Birdie,
The 11 code is the explanation for the no starts. It says that the crankshaft position sensor signal was missing at those points in time when the engine died. The fail/recover behavior is typical for this device. So you need to replace that sensor. There are 4 possible engines for that model year. The sensor is located either in a distributor (2.5L 4 cyl engine/3.0L 6 cyl engine) or is secured at the interface junction between the engine and the transmission on the side of the powertrain that is closer to he firewall (3.3/3.8L 6 cyl engines). It is something that a handyperson can do with a visual/written instruction using only a screwdriver and/or wrench. Let me know which engine you have and I can xerox copy and postal mail you the instructions if you don't have a repair manual for the van. The sensor costs between $50-75 and it should be able to be installed in no more that 20 minutes of labor time at a shop. So you can go forward with either approach without getting taken advantage of.
Use the "thank and rate" tab to enter a mailing address along with the info as to which engine you have in the comments area.
The 12 code means that the battery power was disconnected in the recent past, so if you know of no such disconnection you might want to check the clamps on the battery cables to be sure they are secured. It is advisable to first loosen and remove the - post clamp, then check and tighten the + post clamp, and finally reattach and tighten the - post clamp for reasons of electrical short circuit safety.
Roland
