engine light on

[jmontes]

I hava a 2002 caravan 49,000 miles. Recently the engine light on the dash came on. Car runs fine. Will it go off by itself as the manual states, or is there a way to reset it. Is this something i should be concered about?

[protegechris]

I'd take it by Autozone or Advance Auto Parts and have the code read, whether it is driving fine or not. It could be an advance sign of something major going on, or it could be as simple as a failing sensor for the exhaust. My old car had a failing EGR valve causing a CEL that I just ignored for 8 months xD

My Caravan (96) has a CEL for a misfire, however I notice no difference when driving, so get it checked, just to be safe.

[Phoenixtsintsin]

You can pick up an OBD-II reader for about $30-50. It's worth the price.

[Rick99]

...or you can turn your key on-off-on-off-on without starting and read the codes in the odometer.

[protegechris]

...or you can turn your key on-off-on-off-on without starting and read the codes in the odometer.

I haven't quite figured this one out.. If I count the blinks, I get a completely different code than is given by the reader. What's the proper process, for further reference?

[Rick99]

I haven't quite figured this one out.. If I count the blinks, I get a completely different code than is given by the reader. What's the proper process, for further reference?

I'm sorry, I don't really know with the older vans. With '01 and up it will actually display the codes in the odometer box-- no need to count blinks.

[hcmq]

A "check engine light" or CEL is telling you that your engine has experienced a repeatable fault and has stored a "code" which can be read by either a scan tool (can be used free at advance/auto zone) or on your year van turn the key to run then off 3 times ending on run (do not start) and the code or codes will be displayed.

write the codes down and come back here and we will tell what to look for.

I used to own an 02 and did a ton of research on it.

The most likely suspects of causing the CEL:

putting gas in the van while the engine is running
evap control system leak
misfire
tranny problem

at this point it is mostly ok to drive but it is running in an open loop and will get lousy mpg

let us know

[jmontes]

Thanks for the tip. I will check it out and see what code I get.

[jmontes]

Just checkedthe codes p1684 and p0135..................Just takled to my wife, she does not shut the engine sometimes when gettin gas. Does anyone know what these codes mean and how to correct the issue.?

[Rick99]

P1684 seems to set every time there is another code, so you can ignore that. The P0135 refers to a heater failure in your upstream oxygen sensor. The upstream sensor is the one that is "upstream" from the catalytic converter. The sensors have an electric heater element in them to warm them up to operating temperature more quickly. The code likely means either that the heater has failed and the 02 sensor needs to be replaced, or it means that there is a short or break in the heater wiring that goes to the sensor.

[donald7150]

I haven't quite figured this one out.. If I count the blinks, I get a completely different code than is given by the reader. What's the proper process, for further reference?

the code reader will give you Pxxxx codes

the key flick trick will give you two digit codes that will have the same generic meaning as the Pxxxx code

EX: my SES light came on a while ago and the key flick gave me code 21 just means an oxygen sensor failure (doesnt specify what type of failure, or what sensor it relates to) connecting to a OBD scan tool it gives me more specific information and one of a dozen or more Pxxxx codes that tell me which sensor is problematic, and what the exact problem is

[minimom]

I need HELP,I have a 2001 Grand Caravan Sport with 140,000 miles on it, runs good, but my check engine light came on , so I took to repair shop and they hooked up a computer to it and said the upstream O2 senser needed to be replaced, which they did, about a week later the check engine light came back on , took it back to shop and they said downstream O2 senser now, so they replaced it too, well had it out of shop maybe 2 days and engine light is back on! Dont know if I really trust where I'm taking it now, but my husband is currently in Iraq and he said to take it to this repar shop if I needed any thing done to it , but they cant seem to get it right. So, I'm at a loss on what it could be now any help or advise would be greatly appriciated!!!

[Rick99]

We'd be glad to help. Turn the key on-off-on-off-on without starting the engine and the "codes" will appear in the odometer ie. "P0700". When you do this have a pen and paper handy and write down all the codes you get, then post them here.

Also, do you have any other symptoms (any funny sounds, rough running etc.)?

[minimom]

Did as you said and it comes up with a P1684 code then reads (done) , also no bad running but once it did sputter alittle at a red light one day, but nothing in about 2 weeks just engine light on. Will the plugs and wires cause the light to come on? I have never replaced them on it and I had them check them and they say they look fine! Thank-You so much!

[Phoenixtsintsin]

Did as you said and it comes up with a P1684 code then reads (done) , also no bad running but once it did sputter alittle at a red light one day, but nothing in about 2 weeks just engine light on. Will the plugs and wires cause the light to come on? I have never replaced them on it and I had them check them and they say they look fine! Thank-You so much!


P1684 indicates the battery has been disconnected within the last 50 starts.

Ignore it. It should disappear after 51 starts.

Or pick up an OBD-II reader and verify it's the correct code. Reset the CEL and see if it turns back on.

Nothing to worry about.

[donald7150]

P1684 means the battery has been disconnected within the last 50 starts
this code is no need of concern because the car was in the garage 2 days ago, they may have disconnected the battery temporarily. this code also doesnt illuminate the SES light, not normally anyway

are you sure this is the only code your car is showing?

[jmontes]

My light has been on for a few weeks. The van runs fine. at this pont I am thinking of purchasing a code reader for about 30 to 50 dollars and just reset it. I was told that it will go off at some point as the computer will reset it after so may starts and so may miles.

[Phoenixtsintsin]

My light has been on for a few weeks. The van runs fine. at this pont I am thinking of purchasing a code reader for about 30 to 50 dollars and just reset it. I was told that it will go off at some point as the computer will reset it after so may starts and so may miles.

It's worth getting the OBD-II reader. Keeps the mechanics honest.

I never allow mechanics to diagnose my cars for me. The code reader easily pays for itself with just the information it provides us. I won't go to a mechanic without one.

[minimom]

Went out and did the key on and off thing again now it shows P1684 and P0402, I think thats the code the repair shop said was showing up about the O2 sensers, But they have replaced both the upstream and downstream O2 senser in the last two visits, So once again I'm lost!

[Phoenixtsintsin]

A code P0402 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:

The DPFE (differential pressure) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
There is a blockage in the EGR (most likely carbon buildup)
The EGR valve is faulty
The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum

The most likely solution is to replace the DPFE sensor.

Check the voltage at the DPFE sensor both at idle and when the EGR is open
Replace the DPFE sensor

[minimom]

ok, Im so sorry but I wrote the code down wrong and went and checked it again and the correct code is 0420, hopefully this will help, Thank-You Again!

[mfahey]

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The catalytic converter has an oxygen sensor in front and behind it. When the vehicle is warm and running in closed loop mode, the upstream oxygen sensor waveform reading should fluctuate. The downstream O2 sensor reading should be fairly steady. Typically the P0420 code triggers the Check Engine Light if the readings of the two sensors are similar. This is indicative of (among other things) a converter that is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). It is part of the vehicle emissions system.

[64_Barracuda]

Anyone know where the Scanner port is on a 1994 Caravan? I have a 3.0 litre. CEL comes on now and again no ryme or reason. I bought a Autoxray 5000, is this one good?