1994 Caravan 3.3 low speed idle.

I have a 1994 Dodge Caravan with 240K on it. It recently developed a
low speed idle problem, where the vehicle would almost stall. It was
OK at startup, but once it warmed up, the engine would idle below 500
RPM, and cycle between 400 and 700 rpm rythmically. After cleaning the
throttle body, replaceing the Automatic Idle Speed motor, and
Crankshaft engine speed sensor, the problem persisted. Coincidentally,
the vehicle had developed a slow fuel leak in the gasoline line, in
the return fuel line under the passenger seat.. on the frame. Low and
behold, once I had the lines replaced, the idle problem disappeared. I
assume that the slow leak in the return line to the gas tank posed a
vacuum leak problem that upset the sensors. Unfortunately, no computer
codes to indicate any problems. The vehicle has been amazing, yes I
had the tranny done under warranty at 80K, and a tranny speed sensor
replaced at 160K, but the vehicle has literally no rust, and still
gives 30 MPG (Imperial on the highway). I only wish I could find
another one. The ES had lower body plastic panels that protect it from
stone chips etc. I guess I can expect some gas line, brake line issues
after 14 years. Hopefully, some others will find the replacement
diagnostics helpful.. Drive on

 

I owned the same vehicle new. And this vehicle is still on the road Today.
My opinion the 93 and 94 Minivan was the best Chrysler ever had.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

Any reason why the 1995 was not included too, since it was the final
year of that style before the 1996 re-design? I have a 1993 that I
purchased new in Nov 1992. Other than the transmission, starter, and
AIS motor, it has been good. The paint is now starting to fall off. It
has been garaged all it's life, so it just took longer.

Sounds like the OP has already checked the usual things.

-KM

 

Any reason why the 1995 was not included too, since it was the final
year of that style before the 1996 re-design? I have a 1993 that I
purchased new in Nov 1992. Other than the transmission, starter, and
AIS motor, it has been good. The paint is now starting to fall off. It
has been garaged all it's life, so it just took longer.

Sounds like the OP has already checked the usual things.

-KM


The 95 was the same and included

 

This makes me fell all warm and fuzzy inside as I am in the process of
buying a 1995 Caravan 3.3 right now It probably needs a power steering
pump but that is small beans considering I am getting it for $800

 

Ummm Don't forget, It all depends on how well the vehicle was taken care of
by the previous owner. Especially oil Changes

Glenn

 

I'd buy a '95 Caravan for $800 if the body was clean, straight, and interior
was
in good condition, and everything ran. Even if the oil wasn't changed well,
and
your only going to get another 30K miles out of it, for that amount you can
afford
to put in a rebuilt engine and rebuilt transmission and end up with a van
that's
almost as good as a brand new one.

Ted

 

I got the van and upon further inspection has power almost everything
(driver's seat, mirrors, windows, locks, rear vent windows) /w the trip
computer (MPG, compass, temp, etc) but it needs plugs and wires and a few
gremlins worked out such as a new brake light switch as they won't shut off
unless I pull the fuse and it needs a radiator. I am happy with it as the
nitrogen charged cylinders for the back gate are still good. It is not AWD
and doesn't have the Infinity sound.

 

I've had that happen with both my vans. I bought a brand new (aftermarket)
switch for the '94 T&C - it didn't fix the problem. I then swapped the
new switch with the old switch in the '95 T&C and the problem went away
in -both- vans.

One hint - instead of pulling the fuse, try putting your foot under the
brake
pedal and pulling up with it and see if the light goes out.

The enginering on the brake light switch is not the best - and enclosed
switch for this job is really stupid. Most cars make do with an open switch
which
makes it really simple to fix by bending the contact the needed amount.

Get one from a wrecker and flush it out with a garden hose. Easy fix.

No loss. On the real older vans - I think before '92, the Infinity system
was
really nice, it used (among other things) polypropolene drivers in the
doors. By
'94 Chrysler had started cheapening it down, the speakers in the door were
not as good. The '96 redesign moved the amps from the speakers to a main
box which pretty much gutted the entire Infinity concept.

The biggest problem with the 93-95 Infinity system is that there was not
adequate audio separation between the subwoofers and the midrange
tweeters. You get very bad distortion when playing anything with heavy
base in it (ie: rap music)

If you really like good music then pull the speakers and radio and put in an
aftermarket setup. On the non-Infinity systems this is pretty easy.

Ted

 

I meant to say that not having the Infinity system was a good thing to me
because I plan to go aftermarket I am starting a new thread because I
feel I have sort of hijacked this one.

 

WARNING:

I had a PERFECTLY maintained 1994 GC with the 3.3

When a 16 year old blew a stop sign and blasted into my van, they
wrote it off. Despite ALL receipts totaling almost $10,000 over 4
years, the "adjusted" value of the van was $2900. I had to threaten a
lawsuit to get $3500.

My insurance company did not count ANY maintneance that was done more
than a year prior to the accident. How conveinient, seeing as the very
first things I had to do was a tranny rebuild and the head gasket! The
extra $$$$ above the $2900 "book value" was for the spanking new
steering rack that had been put in about 2 months before the accident.

If you want to buy it for $800 and drive it until it drops, then fine.
But if you intend to fix it up, be aware that you could lose most of
the $$$ you put into it should the vehicle be involved in an accident.

The only reason I did it in the first place was that I had no credit
after my divorce, so I could buy an OK van that was serviceable over
time. This allowed me to budget for repairs, and do them over time
while still having a vehicle.

But now that my credit is rebuilt, I would NEVER do that again. Car
insurance is a racket and a rip off. If they can find a way to screw
you, they will.