1. Home
  2. Chrysler Cars
  3. strange computer codes problem

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

Reply to
Ether Jones
Loading thread data ...

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

Reply to
Bob Shuman

Correct, it does not.

Varies by vehicle model/platform.

Reply to
Daniel J. Stern

Are you guys sure about that? On the allpar web site at

formatting link
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

Reply to
Ether Jones

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

Reply to
Bob Shuman

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

Reply to
Ether Jones

Yep.

Reply to
Daniel J. Stern

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

Reply to
Ether Jones

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.