Chrysler Repair: 99 Chrysler Town and Country Limited, chrysler town and country, odometer mileage

Question
I am having 2 problems with my minivan. It is idling when I'm stopping and it keeps hesitating when I step on the gas it acts like it just doesn't want to go. If I put the pedal to the metal then it will go, then every time I have to stop and go again it hesitates. The hesitating is only occurring at speeds of 45-55. Can you give me some ideas of what could be causing this so I don't end up paying for costly repairs.


Answer
Hi Erika,
There are many possible causes but fortunately there is a built-in self-diagnostic capability. If the engine computer detects the hesitation it can also sense what part of the engine is at fault or at least suspect and put a code number in its memory. Then if you read out the code number you know where to look. An Autozone parts store will often do a readout for free, or an independent shop will do it for under $40. Ask the person who does the readout what the code numbers are, what they mean, what they recommend, and how much is the cost. Then send me a follow-up question that tells me the numbers and which specific engine (of 4 that are possible) you have, and we can compare notes before going ahead. I have a few ideas, but it would be guessing. So let's go for the readout.
Roland
PS You might get a readout also by using your ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch to see if the odometer (mileage) reading disappears and instead a 4-digit number(s) appear which are the fault codes.