QuestionI have a 1997 chrysler town and country. If I start the van and put it in drive, it stalls but if i let it warm up to the point that the gage is half way it does not stall.
any suggestion.
AnswerHi Mack,
There is probably something wrong with the fuel/air mixture but finding out what it is requires a little effort. The engine runs on two different protocols when it is cold as compared to hot.
But in any case I would suggest that you try to obtain a code readout for any faults that the engine controller may have recognized and stored in its memory. That can be done with a plug-in code reader which some of the parts stores will attach for you and readout the codes for free (I have been told that Autozone will do that). Or it may be possible for you to use your ignition key to initiate the readout: turn it "on-off-on-off-on" and leave it "on" (doing this quickly, no longer than 5 seconds). By "on" I mean just the normal position when the engine is running, not the cranking position. The 'check engine'light will remain on when you leave the key in the "on" position with the engine still not running. But then watch the 'check engine' light to begin flashing, then pause, flashing, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause and keep track of the numbers. Repeat the readout and verify the counts are correct. Then group them in pairs in the order that they came out, thus forming two digit numbers. You may notice that the pause is shorter between the digits of a given number, and longer between the numbers themselves. Then send me a 'follow-up' question telling me the results of your readout. By the way, 55 will be the last number (two groups of 5 flashes each) and that is the code for "end of readout".
If the check engine light does not flash as described above then do the ignition key routine again, only this time watch for numbers to appear in the odometer window of the cluster in place of the normal mileage reading, and write down those code numbers.
I have the troubleshooting manual for several of the engines and we can look up the possibilities of what is wrong based upon what fault codes you show. But you need t tell me which engine is in your van.
There is also an essay on fault codes at the site:
http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
which gives the meaning of the code numbers. But then you need to get specific info for what exactly might be the diagnostic tests or parts to replace to complete the repair. Let me know the codes and I can give you some direction.
Another possibility is that you egr valve is sticking ajar which messes up the mixture until it warms up. I can tell you how to check that after you tell me what engine you have.
Roland
