New to this forum would appreciate some advice.
My servive engine light came on about 3.000 miles ago, (01 Caravan SE)
Dealer said eng. computer needs to be replaced at the tune of $475.00.
They didn't have it in stock, (1 week waiting time) so I just kept on driving.
Only problem I have is the light stays on.
Any thoughts?
gas28man
07-22-2004, 05:24 PM
What's your gas mileage like? I have a 96 Town & Country with a 3.8, and I typically get in the 21-23 range on the highway, 17-19 around town. If you're getting less than 21 highway and less than 18 combined, I'd look at something simpler than the computer.
Do you know how to read the trouble codes, by turning the ignition key on-off-on-off-on? Do a Google search for "Chrysler Trouble Codes" and you should find a number of sites that tell you how to read the codes and what they indicate. You need no tools or code readers. Just do as I explained above with the ignition key (but don't turn to "start"). Your Check Engine light on your dash will flash out the codes. This may give you a preliminary idea of what's up.
The last time my Check Engine light came on, a new EGR valve cured it. I don't recall the price, but it was under $100.
Rick
Idleswede
07-22-2004, 10:07 PM
Thanks Rick,
I really appreciate your advice.
Will try it first thing tomorrow morning.
Idleswede
07-22-2004, 11:05 PM
Unfortunately it looks like dealer is right, I got code P061
gas28man
07-23-2004, 11:41 AM
Yeah, sometimes they really DO know what they're talking about at the dealership. Hey, even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=170709&noquote=1#
Big Grin
Rick
Idleswede
07-23-2004, 01:06 PM
I also have a 2000 Sebring JXI convertible.
Tried to access the codes the same way but got nothing.
Any ideas?
gas28man
07-23-2004, 01:28 PM
Your Sebring may have a different method for self-pulling fault codes. The method I described was universal until it started being phased out around 1997, model by model.
Below is a link from another great site, Allpar, that describes the myriad of methods you can use to pull your own trouble codes, short of buying a scanner or taking the car to the dealer.
http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
For the record, I want to complement the folks at Chrysler for designing this onboard code-reading capability into their vehicles that requires no add-on device. It's a boon to us do-it-yourselfers, and I don't know that any other automaker does it. I should add, though, that your onboard system is not perfect, and has limited scope. Your dealer's code-reader is the ultimate weapon.
