Questions and Answers

Dodge B150 Van DTC 45 Q. Sir, My question concerns the following vehicle: 1994 Dodge B150 Van 3.9 liter V-6 Automatic transmission 114,000 miles ABS brakes P/S, A/C, Cruise control

The engine seems to almost die in that there is a loss of power, but the engine is still running. This is evident in that the power steering functions, the loss of power/check engine light's not lit and the oil pressure light is not lit.

After about 15 to 30 seconds, the engine stops, but if you press the accelerator a couple of times it will recover after a slight delay. The fuel pump and fuel filter has been changed, it has relatively new spark plug wires, spark plugs and oxygen sensor.

The strangest thing is that the speedometer goes to the minimum reading (10 mph) when the vehicle is moving at least 15 or 20 mph. This problem seems to be random. The diagnostic code comes back as 45, I checked it four times, but I cannot find a code 45 in any of the diagnostic code sources, so far. Please help me if you can.

I thank you in advance,
Greg

A. Obviously you didn't check my Troubleshooting section. It is there.

DTC 45 "Overdrive Solenoid. An open or shorted condition detected in overdrive solenoid circuit". What is happening is the Overdrive Solenoid is sticking on and not releasing as it should. This code will not turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

This is like slowing down a car with a manual transmission while in fifth gear. The idle will get so low that it will seem like the engine is dying. What you can do is to unplug the electrical connector on the side of the transmission and drive it. If the problem stops happening, you have confirmed it.

You can try doing a transmission filter and fluid change, not a flush, and see what happens. Get the transmission fluid from a Chrysler dealer. It can make a big difference.

If it doesn't help, you can leave it unplugged or have it replaced.