QuestionI have a 1993 Dodge Dynasty LE, 3.3 Engine, and I believe that I have a Mopar transmission with overdrive in it, either a 440 or a 660? I think (sorry) My car started overheating and I couldn't figure out why. Finally I looked into the power distribution box (where the relays are plugged into). My cooling fan relay is not getting power. If I put the relay in all the way (flat against the plug) it doesn't get a charge; but, if I "cock" the relay (so one side of it goes in put the other side is somewhat out) it sends a signal for my fan to turn on when the temp. gauge gets hot. My question is "do I replace the power distribution box entirely?" The mechanic working on is a ASE certified mechanic but works for a Ford dealership and claims that by getting a box from the junk yard and reconnecting the wires that it will actually work. I feel like I just keep getting parts for him to put on and it isn't the real problem (ETC. intake manifold gasket seal leaking, spark plugs and wires, temp. sensor on engine, waterpump, and so on.) The plus side, I might get a brand new car out of it once he's done with it. Also he said that when he ran a "diagnostic" on it a code 56 came up, to my knowledge there is no code 56, they end at 55. Is that right? I think he thinks just cause I'm a female that I don't know anything about cars, but I do and what I don't know, I find out. I hope you can help me and will greatly appreciate any kind of advice that you can help me with. Thank you very much for all your help, even if you can't help me.
AnswerI cannot find a code 56 either. There is a code 62 and 63 but no other codes between there and 55. You should verify that the code is indeed 56 and not a 55 instead.
Next question I had would be to find out if these other repairs that he did to them were "preventative maintenance" or if they were in attempts of actually fixing something.
I know the 3.3L and 3.8L do have leaking water pumps all the time, also the spark plugs and wires could have been preventative or other sensors might have been for other codes, those codes are now gone and he's left with just the fan relay problem. I don't have all the pieces to the puzzle here so I can't say if he's simply fixing your car or if you're getting taken advantage of by someone who thinks they can get away with it.
As for the relay, I've seen on several PDC (power distribution centers) where the pins are held in by a plastic retainer or clip. The older the car, the worse design they had which in turn meant the greater the chances of damaging a fuse or relay pin-out if you had to remove and reinstall it a few times. So I would say Yes, it is possible he's on to something here and having him show this to you in action should put all your cooling fan related woes aside.
BUT... here's the tricky part. The older PDC centers were hardwired in. Meaning, that single pin he's hoping to replace with a new PDC may be attatched to an entire body or engine harness. It's vitally important that you find out just how serviceable this component really is. Otherwise you may find yourself being told this tiny bit of info after it's half-way out. At which point you're all but married to the guy until the car is fixed.
Doug
