Question1998 Dodge Caravan SE - 3.0 automatic transmission -
Recently the van would drive fine for about 5-10 miles and then sputter out and die. You could let it sit for about an hour and then come back and it would start just fine, but again for only 5 or 10 miles and then same thing. We were told it was probably the fuel filter, so we changed that and replaced the battery, but still the same problem.
We took it to a mechanic (who has had it for over 2 weeks) and he told us that it was the timing belt and he replaced it. Well he called us today and says it still has the same problem and that he is stumped. It is not throwing out any engine codes.
What else could it possibly be?
AnswerIm not sure why your mechanic would suspect the timing
belt.
I will need more information to help you.
Does the van do this while driving at a steady pace, speeding up, or slowing to a stop, or does it matter?
Your mechanic will need to do a bit more diagnosing.
I would start by hooking up a fuel pressure gauge to
the fuel rail and duct taping it to the windshield.
Then go for a drive. Have him monitor the fuel pressure
when the van begins to act up, or stall.
If the pressure dies off just before the stall, then its a
fuel problem.
Other possible causes are: (in no particular order)
1) a bad pcm
2) crank sensor getting warm and failing.
3) bad ground(s) or electrical connection
4) A problem with the anti theft system
Also, please find out what method your mechanic is using to
retrieve the codes. Some codes do not show up without a
DRBIII and others do not always throw a check engine light.
