Help for my neighbor's 97 Chrysler Town & Country

[JS29]

My neighbor has a 97 Chrysler Town & Country. I do not know the engine size, if there is more than one available.

The problem she started having today is this: The van starts perfectly, runs for about 4 seconds then sputters out like it is out of gas (which it isn't). If you let it sit for 10 minutes and try to start it again, it does the exact same thing.

Anybody with any experience recognize these symptoms and can recommend a solution?

She is divorced with 3 kids and has little money, so I'd really like to help he if I could.

Thanks guys.

george

[Challenger6pak]

My experience with a newer vehicle like this is to put it on a computer and let it tell you what is wrong with it or throw parts at it until it is fixed.  I would put it on a computer and go from there.  You may be able to rent a handheld computer or code detector from a parts house.  This may give enough info to fix it.  If not it will have to go and be hooked up to a main computer.   That is the way they are designed and it is the way to fix them. 

[tactransman]

My experience with a newer vehicle like this is to put it on a computer and let it tell you what is wrong with it or throw parts at it until it is fixed.  I would put it on a computer and go from there.  You may be able to rent a handheld computer or code detector from a parts house.  This may give enough info to fix it.  If not it will have to go and be hooked up to a main computer.   That is the way they are designed and it is the way to fix them. 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

  We've sold alot of computers for Towns/Caravans/Voyagers... wouldn't surprise me.

[Stacked440]

If its not the computer...fuel filter?

[MOPAR FANATIC]

If its not the computer...fuel filter?

  i definately wood try the fuel filter first,have nothing to loose there,probably needs it anyway.

[tactransman]

If it is running for around four seconds each time,it sounds like it is running off the initial spray of fuel you get one you turn the key on,then it is not pumping fuel from then on. If you turn the key to the on position,you will hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds,try turning the key on and off about 5 times and then start it and see if it runs longer then just starting it. 

[MOPAR FANATIC]

  Possibly the fuel pressure regulator.   

[Challenger6pak]

If you put a long transmission funnel in the fuel filler hole, you can put your ear to it and hear the fuel pump run.  The funnel works like an amplifier. 

[ntstlgl1970]

When did this start happening, was there any other symptoms before this condition presented itself?

A couple of things you can check would be to see if the fuel pump relay and ASD (Auto Shut Down) relays are operating. I'll include a picture of the Power Distribution Center with the relay id. The ASD relay should cycle (turn on) with the ignition switch (it powers the PCM). The fuel pump relay should cycle on for a few seconds then turn off with the key in the "on" position. When you crank the engine over and it starts, the fuel pump relay "should" turn back on once the engine catches. If it doesn't, it could be the computer turning the fuel request off (signal from the anti theft system) or no signal from the cam/crank sensor - you would need a DVOM or a scope to check the sensors out and a scan tool to check for fuel request. If the relay turns on when the engine starts then turns off after it dies, then you would need to put a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what the pressure does when the car dies. If the pressure drops off before the engine dies, it could be a fuel pump or a clogged filter. Further diagnosis would be necessary with a voltmeter to check power and ground to the pump. You could pull the filter and see if it's clogged.

You can cycle the ignition switch ON - OFF - ON - OFF - ON within 5 seconds. Then count the number of times the malfunction indicator (check engine) lamp on the instrument panel flashes on and off. The number of flashes represents the DTC (code). There is a slight pause between the flashes representing the first and second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate individual trouble codes. Depending on the software level of the PCM, it may output codes via the transmission position indicator (if it is a digital position indicator) on the dash.

If you don't have access to a high pressure fuel pressure gauge or a DVOM, send her to a repair shop. A code reader from a parts store won't tell you if the engine is trying to run and then shuts off, of if the engine is being shut off by the computer.

I did a check and couldn't find any service bulletins for the symptom you described from Chrysler

Let us know what you find out, I have access to the repair info here at work....

[MEK-Dangerfield]

My humble guess is a bad fuel pump.


  Mike

[JS29]

Thanks for your input guys.  I really appreciate it.  The more I think about it, I am thinking bad fuel pump.  I will post when I know for sure.

[JS27N0B]

Ahem, this sounds like a theft alarm issue. Is she unlocking the van with the key fob? or lock cylinder in the door.  The BCM may not be sending the ok to run signal to the PCM.
Could also be a bad MAP sensor if you can keep it running by pumping the gas pedal as fast as you can.

Work on these vehicles all day every day.

[JS29]

Well I fixed it.  Thanks to all who offered suggestions.  What was it? You ask.

Bad fuel guage.  I insisted on putting in a few gallons just to be sure, and it fired right up, stayed running and has been just fine every since.

Sorry for the lapse in my response, I felt I had to post as I hate when I never read a follow-up to "help me" posts.

Thanks again guys. 

[Challenger6pak]

It's the little things that drive us crazy.  Glad you figured it out.   for helping the damsel in distress.