2009 Dodge Caravan - Strange Problem
I just purchased a brand new 2009 Dodge Caravan SXT 4.0L/6sp (auto) about 2 months ago.
I've had this problem twice now. Both times, under same conditions. Normal temp, normal driving (passing), vehicle warm.
I would be traveling down the highway, passing another vehicle. Then all of a sudden the vehicle would start shaking violently (like I was lugging it) and then engine light would start flashing. When this occurs, then engine runs rough, the light continues to flash and even normal acceleration causes the vehicle to shake. Even if I slow down to 30-40 the vehicle continues to shake violently upon even slight acceleration. The light continues to blink and ding until the vehicle is turned off.
The first time this happened, the vehicle died and I coasted onto the shoulder. Both times this occurred, I let the vehicle sit for 20-30 minutes and everything returned to normal and I could not reproduce the issue.
I've taken it to the dealer and they say no codes are stored, except for an unrelated "inverter overload" code. I've never used the interior power inverter so not sure why this is even showing up. But they say, the computer should have stored a code and they expected to see a "misfire" code but did not. It was passed off as possible bad gas. But now it has happened twice.
The vehicle currently has about 4000 miles on it and the dealer has thus far been unable to nail down the problem.
To me it feels like an engine problem but acts like the vehicle is stuck in 6th gear and put under a load (lugging).
Any help?
I've had this problem twice now. Both times, under same conditions. Normal temp, normal driving (passing), vehicle warm.
I would be traveling down the highway, passing another vehicle. Then all of a sudden the vehicle would start shaking violently (like I was lugging it) and then engine light would start flashing. When this occurs, then engine runs rough, the light continues to flash and even normal acceleration causes the vehicle to shake. Even if I slow down to 30-40 the vehicle continues to shake violently upon even slight acceleration. The light continues to blink and ding until the vehicle is turned off.
The first time this happened, the vehicle died and I coasted onto the shoulder. Both times this occurred, I let the vehicle sit for 20-30 minutes and everything returned to normal and I could not reproduce the issue.
I've taken it to the dealer and they say no codes are stored, except for an unrelated "inverter overload" code. I've never used the interior power inverter so not sure why this is even showing up. But they say, the computer should have stored a code and they expected to see a "misfire" code but did not. It was passed off as possible bad gas. But now it has happened twice.
The vehicle currently has about 4000 miles on it and the dealer has thus far been unable to nail down the problem.
To me it feels like an engine problem but acts like the vehicle is stuck in 6th gear and put under a load (lugging).
Any help?
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This problem seems to happen only after the vehicle is warmed up and driven for an hour or so. Then it happens after the vehicle is put under a load (like passing) and will continue to misfire until the vehicle is turned off and then restarted.
Cars at the dealer now and I have a loaner. Dealer is talking with Chrysler but they have yet been unable to pinpoint the problem. They plan to tear into the intake manifold today to check for stuck sticking sensor/valves..?
I am getting frustrated that it's brand new and I am having the same strange problem. I hope they get it figured out.
The crankshaft sensor was replaced last time by suggestion of Chrysler Corp.
Since I have been driving it, I have learned how to reproduce the error:
1) Drive the vehicle until warm.
2) Drive 65
3) Stomp on the gas as if to pass (vehicle will downshift from 6th to 4th)
4) Keep the pedal to the floor until the rpm's reach 5200
Then the problem appears right at about 5200 rpm. The vehicle (engine) hesitates/jerks at 5200 rpm and the engine light comes on. Then the vehicle will misfire on cylinder #1 (even under slow/normal driving) until the key is reset (turned off, then back on). If traveling down the highway, you can shift to neutral (DISCLAIMER: this is dangerous!!), turn the key off, then back on, then shift back to drive and this is sufficient to reset the engine so that it will fire again on all cylinders. Like rebooting the computer fixes it....??
I dropped it off again at the dealer today for service on Friday. The service person at the dealership says they now have three Chrysler's that are all doing this same thing and they have not figured out a remedy. Sounds like my van may be the guinea pig this week. They tell me Chrysler has not been able to provide any insight as to what's occurring. Once again, they tell me that they are going to tear into the manifold and start replacing parts.
Does anyone know what the Lemon Laws for Kansas are? I have already had this in the dealership 4 times for this problem and no resolution is in sight. It currently has about 6500 miles on it. I've had it for under three months.
6500 miles; that would just be infuriating.
It shifts by 5600 rpms
After 3 years, 105,000 miles, 13 visits to the dealership, 3 star cases opened with Chrysler, the dealer has finally solved the problem. They "hard-wired" the crankshaft position sensor" and now the original problem is solved, but not before it ruined the catalytic converter. Apparently, a misfire condition left unresolved will damage the catalytic converter requiring a heft repair bill. While Chrysler refused to pick up the tab for that, they did cover the CPS repair, whilst I had to deal with it for nearly the last three years. Now I've written the dealership and they say they will pickup the tab for the CC. Still, I don't think I'll ever buy a Dodge/Chrysler ever again after having been through the wringer on this one. A person should not have to beg a company kicking and screaming to make things right with the customer.
Went to the dealer, unable to reproduce it, and no codes were stored in the PCM. They have suggested to replace the sparks and clean the injectors as well to upgrade the software. Problem still persists.
tee10, what do you mean by "hard-wired" the CPS, have they ran another set of wires between the sensor to the PCM, because of a faulty wire/ connection problem?
Would you be kind enough to list your VIN only so hopefully I could get my Van fixed ?? Thank you !!