Questions and Answers
Caravan Craps Out
Q. Hi, I have a 1988 Dodge Caravan, 3.0L V6, auto, 170000+, fuel injected, non-ABS, P/S, A/C, cruise (although the cruise doesn't work). I was driving when it just shutdown. I could crank it over but no spark.
I ran a wire from the battery to the coil and got it started. I installed a switch and used this method so I could drive it. If I turn off the ignition the car shuts off, even though the coil is still getting juice via the connection I made. This lets me drive the car without any problems. I let the car sit for a couple of months, and now when I drive it, it bucks at times, like it's cutting out intermittently. The problem seems to occur only around town. I drove it on the GSP for 50+ miles and didn't have a problem. Does this sound like a computer problem? The guys at the dealership said there is no ignition module to replace. Is there a way to isolate it to the computer?
Any help is greatly appreciated,
TimA. I used to drive the GSP from 295 to Red Bank everyday when I worked at the Nissan dealer there.
It sounds to me like you have a bad Auto Shut Down (ASD) relay. The ASD Relay controls power to the ignition coil, fuel injectors, and electric fuel pump. By applying power to the coil positive terminal you are, in essence, powering the side of the system the ASD should be powering.
There are five relays mounted on the inside fender next to the battery. The ASD relay is the smaller one located rearmost, just in front of the shock tower.
You should check the fusible links also. The ASD gets it's power from them so if one is bad, the same thing will happen.
