Chrysler Repair: 92 Dodge Caravan, dodge caravan, moderate speeds

Question
The van from time to time will cut back at moderate speeds of 60 - 75 mph.  If I hit the gas pedal it will jump and I will hear it backfire.  Usually after a brief stop or slowup it will drive ok for a while.  Any idea what is going on?
Thanks,
Ken

Answer
Hi Ken,
The easiest way to check for this problem's cause is to do a readout of the engine control computer that runs the electrical controls of the engine. To do the readout, take your ignition key and turn the ignition switch as follows:
"on-off-on-off-on" where "on" is the position where the key sits when the engine is running normally (i.e. not the starter position). Do this turning on and off of the key within a total time of less than 5 seconds. Leave the key in the "on" position and then look to the "Check Engine" light to begin to flash, pause, flash, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause and make a written or mental note of these numbers. You can repeat the readout as often as you like once the flashing stops, so as to be sure you have counted the number of flashes accurately. You will notice that the last two sets of flashes have 5 in each. Then take the list of numbers of flashes and group them in pairs, two at a time, in the order they were seen so as to form a set of two digit numbers. For example, the last two sets of flashes have 5 in each so that last two digit number will be the number "55". That number is a code for "end of the readout". All the two digit numbers that came out before "55" are codes for possible reasons that your car car cuts back. Write back and tell me the other numbers that you got, if any. Tere are other possibilities that aren't detectable by the controller, but it is a good idea check it first.
Roland