QuestionI have a 1990 Grand Voyager LE 3.3L 6 cyl, automatic transmission. When it is cold start, the van hesitates, sounds like it is going to conk out, it has little backfire noises...about 3 times...then runs normal for 1 minute. Once I hit the 1 minute mark, it doesn't switch into gear...press on the gas and it races and goes no where for a second or two, then goes into gear and runs perfect until the next cold start. This van was sitting for 5 years without being run or started due to the death of the owner, and did have its transmission replaced a month prior to his passing. I have replaced the catalytic converter and it now has passed emissions. So my question is, what do you think this is? I want to do an oil change and a tune up. I just need to know what next as I want to be sure it is safe to drive a 2+ hour drive. Thanks for any help/info.
Tina
AnswerHi Tina,
So you got a 22 code. That means the coolant temperature sensor is either disconnected or not working properly. It is located behind the thermostat housing on the top front of the engine. That housing has the large top radiator hose attached to it. The sensor simply screws into the intake manifold and it has a two-wire connector with wire colors black/light blue and tan/black. You gently lift a tab on the side of the wire connector cap to release the plug. I suspect that if you bought a new sensor and installed it that the engine would startup better when it was cold, idle more rapidly, and thus the trans might engage more promptly.
Be sure to only add Chrysler brand trans fluid type 7176 that you can get in quart bottles from a dealer. Use a funnel to add it slowly to the dip stick tube and don't overfill. I believe that the scale on the dipstick is based upon the trans being warmed up and if it is then don't base your reading of the level of a cold condition but only after you have driven it a bit and then allowed to idle in neutral or park when you check the level.
I don't think there is any reason to not drive the van for 4 hours.
Roland
Hi Tina,
The automatic transaxle could be delaying to engage in gear for several reasons:
the engine idle speed may be too low (see below)
the trans fluid may be low (check dipstick of trans, only use Chrysler brand fluid added through dipstick tube if needed, do not overfill)
the linkage between the gearshift and the trans may need adjustment (a mechanic can check that in a few minutes)
there could be too low pressure in the trans due to a fault with the internal pump or some hangup in the valve body from the 5 years of dis-use (but that should clear out with the passage of time since it was rebuilt so recently).
So I would focus on the engine function and fluid level to begin with. On the engine I would readout engine control computer for any fault codes (which point to why the engine is misbehaving) it may have stored. Begin by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes (remove the minus post battery clamp then replace). You then can do a readout with your ignition key:
Turn it: on-off-on-off-on and leave it on, doing this in an elapsed time of 5 seconds or less. The check engine light will remain "on" but then begin to flash, pause, flash, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause and keep track of the counts. The last two groups of flashes will always be 5 in number. Then repeat to make sure the counting you have done is accurate. Then group the numbers in pairs in the order of readout to form two-digit numbers which are the fault codes. The last such number will be 55 which is the code for "end of readout".
Then write me back with a follow-up question telling me the code numbers and I will respond with some ideas.
If I am "maxed out" use the "thank and rate" tab where there is a comment section and I will get your answer that way.
Roland
