strange computer codes problem

I have a 1998 Grand Caravan and am trying to retrieve the fault codes.

I turn the ignition OFF-ON OFF-ON OFF-ON and wait, but the "service
engine" light never flashes.

I tried the OFF-ON sequence 4 times instead of three. Also 5 times.
Nothing.


Has anyone encountered this, or have any ideas what's wrong? I was
under the impression that this was supposed to work for the 1998 Grand
Caravan.


The "service engine" lamp is not burned out, because it does illuminate
briefly when starting the engine.

Note that the instrument panel diagnostics *does* work: hold the
"trip" and "reset" buttons while turning the ignition ON and wait 5
seconds. It exercises all the lights and dials and gauges.


On my 1991 Plymouth Voyager this used to work great. I used it several
times to identify and fix problems.

EJ

 

I do not believe this procedure works on that year vehicle. I am not sure
what year they ceased to display using the "key trick".

Bob

 

Correct, it does not.

Varies by vehicle model/platform.

 

Bob Shuman wrote: <<I do not believe this procedure works on that year
vehicle.>>

Daniel J. Stern wrote: <<Correct, it does not.>>

Are you guys sure about that? On the allpar web site at
http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html it says:

"The 1998 Caravan does the same check engine light code trick, but it
also does an instrument diagnostic check if you hold the trip and reset
buttons and turn the key to the run position and wait 5 seconds."

On my 1998 Caravan, the instrument diagnostic check operates as
described above. But the blinking "check engine" doesn't work.


If you're sure about it not working, I'll buy an OBD reader. Do they
sell them at Autozone? Are they any good?

EJ

 

I do not have a recommendation to offer to your questions on an OBDII reader
to purchase, but do know that my 3.8L 1999 T&C minivan does not flash the
diagnostic codes when the key is turned on-off-on three times. This
procedure worked fine in my 1996, 1990 and 1987 Chrysler vehicles. It does
not work in my 2001 2.7L Intrepid either.

All that said, if you do go to Autozone, they will hook up their universal
OBDII reader and should tell you the code for free.

Bob

 

Bob Shuman wrote: <<if you do go to Autozone, they will hook up their
universal OBDII reader and should tell you the code for free.>>

Yeah, that occurred to me after I posted the previous message. I think
I'll give that a try tomorrow.

I had to replace the serpentine belt on the 98 Caravan last year, and
they loaned me a special tool when I bought the new belt. Took all of
10 minutes to get the old one off and the new one on.

EJ

 

Yep.

 

In message ID <>
Daniel J. Stern wrote: <<Yep>>

Do I have to pay the dealer to get the codes, or will the OBD reader at
Autozone get most of the codes? I heard that on some model cars, the
general-purpose readers only get the emissions-related codes...

Thanks,

EJ