QuestionHey Roland
Could you recommend a good repair manual for a 2000 Chrysler Voyager, specifically, and generally all car makes? Chilton's seems to be available everywhere (even at my library, which is great) but tends to be vague sometimes. I posted a question elsewhere here and was told my minivan doesn't have an air temperature sensor. This manual indicates a MIL code of '23'shows this sensor malfunctioning, but it must be refering to other model years
or just the 4 cylinder engine. Part of my confusion stems from the fact Murray's Auto Parts sold me an air temp sensor, but I used the pics in the manual to show the part was actually an engine coolant temp sensor!
This all started when my van gave me a MIL and I pulled a code by pressing TRIP and RESET for 5 seconds with the key on then pressing TRIP again. The digital odo then flashes codes. This might not be the correct way, either, but I really don't want to buy a scanner if I don't have to. The only real problem I had with the van is sometimes the battery didn't have enough poke to start it on a totally random basis since summer of 07. Wait a minute, try again and it fires right up. All my dealership did was charge me to charge the battery and replace a cable terminal, which never solved the problem. I replaced the battery a week ago, MIL cleared and came back again after a little driving. I'm not against a little detective work to get to the bottom of this, but I really could use a solid reference. Thanks!
AnswerHi Paul,
The best reference would be the factory shop manual. Watch eBay listing for 'Chrysler Service Manual 2000 Van' and see what is offered. Avoid paying anything over $30. The next best is the Haynes line, which should have one that begins in '2000 and up. In general I don't find the Chilton's to be very helpful.
I am not sure what the number means that you get by the trip and reset buttons, but I don't believe it is in the OBD-I system (which a '23' would imply). It may be a code for the heater/ac or ? The typical approach is to turn the ignition:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch for 4-digit number to appear in the odometer window as those are the OBD-II system numbers that definitely are in play by 2000.
The starting could be either the ignition switch or the starter motor relay as you describe the problem. Listen for whether the starter relay responds (open the power distribution box under the hood and listen for a soft click from that relay while a helper tries the key). If you don't get the quiet click from that relay then either the ignition switch or the safety switch on the trans is not adjusted properly/working. If you do get the soft click, but no output from the starter then chances are it is the starter motor or the solenoid switch on the motor (assuming a good battery).
Roland
