Q: I drove up to a stop sign, and the engine died. That had never happend. When I re-started, the check engine light was on, and the car wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear. I have a code reader and found 500, 700, 731. My chiltons doesn't have 731 in it. 500 means that the speed sensing unit failed... that could explain why the trans can't shift... unless the computer knows how fast we are going, it will have a hard time knowing which gear to be in. The 700 says that the transmission control malfunctioned. I am thinking that the 500 is the base problem and is causing the computer to generate the 700. Is this correct... If so, how do you troubleshoot the speed sensing unit?
A: Your assumption about the 500 setting off the 700 is more than likely correct.
However,the ECMs are normally programmed with base guidelines to go by in case of sensor failure.
On the other hand,you may not be able to shift out of second because of the fact that you are running on these base settings.
I would start by replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor, then disconnect the battery cable for 30 seconds to reset the ECM, then run the trouble codes again. This may solve your problem.
All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: I tried turning on the cruise control a couple of weeks ago, for the first time in months. It seemed OK briefly, but then rpms would drop, then rise, then drop, etc., until it turned itself off (or I may have turned it off, I forget now). When I pushed the "ON" button on the steering wheel to restart the system, the "Cruise" light on the dash briefly illuminated, then turned off. When I pushed the "ON" button the second time, the light wouldn't even go on.
If I stop the van and restart it, the "Cruise" light will again briefly illuminate, then go off, and not illuminate if I push it a second or third time, etc.
The cruise finally stayed on yesterday, but rpms increased and decreased as they did a few weeks ago, so I shut the system off.
Vehicle seems to run fine otherwise.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Won't Start When driving Always
Q: My headlights went out. I was told I needed a wire harness connector to repair it, but I can find only the wire harness kit which cost $1000. I need a diagram of the wiring system to see if I can get the wire harness connector by its self or a part number to order the connector.
A: Try "Wiring, Lights" in the Recyclers' Finder, or a salvage yard and maybe you can repair the connector.
Q: When the engine warms up, the cooling fans will not come on. It started after changing the transmission fluid. The fans would not shut off. I pulled the fuse in the power block. Ever since the fans will not run.
A: You may have shorted the cooling fan controller when you pulled the fuse.
Q: Starter problem. However, where is the starter located on a 96 dodge grand caravan?
A: I had a similar problem with my Caravan. Ended up replaceing the Started the Solanoid on the Starter was worn out but you can't just replace it. You have to replace the whole starter.
It's located on the front of the engine just behine the radiator. You can get to it by just laying on the ground.
All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: How do you reset the Maintenance Required light on the dash on my 1992 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It just came on after 60,000 and it refers to the service manual which I don't have, and I would like to know the proper way of resetting it.
Also, would like to know if I can get the wire wheel cover for the Dodge Grand Caravan and where I could obtain it.
A: The maintenance light comes on automaticly at certain intervals that coincide with the factory maintenance schedule,ie.time to change 02 sensor, timing belt and other service to various sections of the vehicle. If you purchase a simple inexpensive code reader, you can reset the maint. light.wheel covers can be found at salvage yards.
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When turning Always
Q: Hear a clunking sound when turning corners
A: It could be a few things,first it could be a strut bushing which you cant really look at and tell its bad,Second and more common is a cv joint,check to see if rubber boot is ok(not torn or loose)if it is then thats your clunk and it should be replaced
Ignition System Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: When replacing the starter on the Caravan, there is a bracket which surrounds the starter.
I have taken two bolts off the base and one off at the bumper however it is still fast in place.
How do I get the bracket off to gain entrace to the starter?
A: there should be a "star" screw in the center of the bracket
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Vibration When driving Always
Q: While driving over 10mph the front end shakes
A:
Check tires for uneven wear or broken steel belts. Check rims to make sure they're not bent. Axle shafts in these can cause a wobble. The axles can look fine but it is the inside joint that is binding.
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