Caravan won't start!

[angldrkns9]

Strangly, I was crusing at 45mph on a parkway and oddly my van downshifted into 2nd gear and the engine revved up high?? It happened a few more times within the next hour and my check engine light came on. Soon after, I got a low oil pressure light and my car stalled. I tried restarting and it worked. My car probably stalled 10 more times before it was completely dead. I ended up getting stuck on Route [1][9] 15 minutes from George Washington Bridge. I had the car towed to my Dodge dealership. Anybody have a similar problem before? I also noticed the speedometer would jump from 55mph to 0mph and then back to 55mph suddenly before it would stall. HELP!!! WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY RELIABLE MINIVAN? AHHHHh...... talk about a bad week for my car.

[McClane]

Maybe it had something to do with that guy that hit you in the parking lot.

Not sure, I would wager a guess as a broken belt or a sensor of some kind.

My dad has never experienced anything like that on his Voyager, so I'm not sure.

[McClane]

I just had a brain storm, it could be the fuel system - from the pump, filter, to injectors. Perhaps something in the fuel tank closing over the pump, hence not getting fuel to the engine ?

[angldrkns9]

my dealer sucks!! He says because my car has so many aftermarket items, this repair might have to come out of my own pocket!! Apparently, when the guy went to diagnoise my car, 5 or 6 electrical codes came up. They SAY the problem is with the electrical system of the car. I they should diagnoise the problem more before pointing fingers. They said the wiring of the aftermarket items might be shorting something out in the car. The dealer says because the car won't even crank when you turn the ignition the problem is electrical and not mechanical. He's warning me on the fact that this might be a really costly repair on the car and if it's not covered under warranty, it will end up $89.95/hour for electrical diagnostic? doesn't that sound a little bit high? And he says to START off with 3 hours, it can take 15 hours to find out what is wrong with the car! I need help. I have to give him my decision by Monday on what I'm going to do with the car.

Here's a list of modifications made to my car that the dealer said could be causing the problem. Tell me if he's serious or he doesn't know what he is talking about...

1) Cold Air Intake w/ K/N Air Filter? How does that affect the electrical system?
2) Flowmaster Muffler? Again, how does that affect the electrical system?
3) Side Blinkers? I had them professionally installed. Could my side blinkers cause my entire car to fail?
4) Sound System? I had it installed professionally and does the sound system even relate to the wiring harness of the car? Could that kill the car? That's the dealer's biggest blame.
5) 4200K Phillips H.I.D. Lights. I installed these myself. They have separate relays on them. The car has been working fine with them installed for about a year one. Would it act up now?
6) Viper Alarm System? I have this professionally installed. Does this need to be wired into the starter system of the car? Could that be causing the problem?


Any advice on Dodge's warranty, similar experiences, advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jason

[McClane]

Not sure on labour rate in the US, but here in Calgary my dealer charge $90.00 CDN/hour for any job, regardless of whether it is electrical or not.

Hmmm, this reminds me of the time I replaced the driver's side outside mirror on my mom's 95 Caravan. I got everything put together and I must've shorted a fuse. Nothing worked, no power door locks, no power mirrors, dome lights, ...

I checked all the fuses but I didn't see anything. We took it into the dealer and we were charged $50.00 CDN for them to inspect the electrical system and determine that it was a fuse *I felt as blind as a bat*.

Anyways, I know the price is high, but you may as well leave it with them and let them determine why it won't start. I figure since the vehicle isn't starting anyways, and if you take it somewhere else you'll wind up paying additional towing charges and wasting more time.

Perhaps the dealer is only giving you a "worst case" senario.

From the mods you listed, the only thing that MAY affect the electrical system is your alarm, side blinkers, and sound system. Note I said MAY.

I am wondering, what is it with dealerships and mods ? It seems like they seem to blame all mishaps on mods.

I talked to my dealership regarding mods, and they told me that they have dealt with numerous vehicles that were heavily modded.

[AV8R]

sounds like a typical caravan poltergeist haunting

dunno why it dropped into limp mode if the electrics are acting up(ecu got flashed maybe?)

that electrics junction box is a mess, what codes came up on the reader?

what kind of load were you running when it happened? sound, a/c/lights, etc

[DodgeFreak]

I don't see how any of your mods would affect your electrical system to the point of staling your Van. I think the dealer is just looking for an out. What state are you from? Check your local laws, here in Mi the only mods that even come close to voiding a warranty are internal engine mods. I would say fight him till he gives in!! Good luck though. I hope everything turns out for you!

James

[angldrkns9]

talk about my dealership being retarded...

after the service guy gave me hell and told me the repairs look like they are going to be costly... i had the guy who installed the sound system and alarm system on my car take a look at it... well, he fixed my car in less than 10 minutes... apparently, the technician working at dodge never checked the battery terminals.. the negative battery terminal was loose (could move it around with your hand) and that was causing the problem... now, don't we all feel pretty stupid...

[McClane]

Sounds like the dealership was overwhelmed by all your mods, and overlooked the obvious. At least it was a simple fix.