SternWake said:
Asssuming the fuel pump is sometimes not working, it is either failing internally, or it is not getting 12 volts those times.
The ECM/PCM might not be sending the signal to activate the ASD/ fuel relays.
This could be a failing ECM/PCM a failing/intermittent connector at the PCM, or a possible bad ECM ground.
I replaced battery negative cable. Battery terminal itself was heavily overgrown with turquoise colored 'salad'. Grounds from battery to both bulkhead and engine block were quite not-shiny (no turquoise salad on either, but universally dark, dingy brown. I took a small stainless steel brush to everything until it was shiny enough for Hollywood!
SternWake said:
The Jumper wire is also a diagnostic wire. With jumper in place the Fuel pump should run continuously.
There are model year differences so I am hesitant to proclaim any definites, you might have to jumper both ASD and fuel pump relay.
i bought 6' of 12-gauge wire and 8 connectors. I'm ready to jump everything! Lol
SternWake said:
Really these weird intermittent issues are usually a failing PCM/ECM
Diagnosing their failure is easiest with a known good PCM, but that is not really an available option and usually a last resort after all else has failed. If The hair drier heating the PCM can allow starting this can certainly point to the failing ECM. The wire wiggling yielding no results is not a sign the ECM is not failing, only that the connector is not the cause. The weirdness of the check engine light on yours certainly raises an Eyebrow.
All this poking around I've been doing has revealed several apparent liberties that the previous owner of my van took when repairing things. For example, he removed the stock engine fan and mounted an electric fan to the radiator housing. A rocker switch has been glued to the steering column, which serves as the fan's on/off switch. It's tied into the key so that it's never on when the key is either off or in the accessory position. Smart move, it seems to me, at least relative to some less anticipatory approaches.
If the stalling resumes and hotwiring the relays proves an interim solution, I'd consider doing something similar to the fuel pump: always on when key on, but never when key off or in accessory.
SternWake said:
The Crank position sensor is reported to fail in an intermittent nature on these Dodges, but perhaps not other vehicles. Some Autoparts salespeople really just like to hear themselves talk, but some know their stuff. I think these CPS is easy to access and easy to replace. Next time it acts up replace it and if it still no workee, then you can return it.
Agreed. After trying the relay hotwire, the crankshaft position sesnor is next on the list. It's both inexpensive ($50-ish) and easily accessible (via the doghouse) so that even a noob like me should be able to solo it.
SternWake said:
Dropping fuel tank is not fun, and the replacement fuel pump modules are pricey, and do not have the best record of reliability.
So far, the best prices I've found are a Delphi for $188 (via Autozone) and a Carquest for $185. Those both come with limited lifetime warranties (whatever those may be worth) and are substantially lower than the $264 that Pep Boys quoted me.
SternWake said:
The CEL acting funny, the wrapping of fuel tank when no start not having any effect, kind of have me leaning toward the ECM/PCM.
If the stalling/no start is becoming more frequent this can also point stronger to the ECM/PCM
Frankly, if i could choose between PCM or fuel pump, I'd choose the PCM. It's roughly the same price as the fuel assembly, but with the added advantage of easier location access for replacement. And, unless I'm misremembering, my PCM doesn't need to be programmed so yay me!
SternWake said:
I would hate to hear that you spent 80 dollars, drove off with full confidence, only to have it stall when you are out in the boonies and 800$ poorer.
Thanks, me, too.
SternWake said:
Replace that battery ground cable with corrosion leaking from under the insulation. If it is not THE issue, it will be at some point.
Did it this afternoon. One less thing to think about, right?
SternWake said:
My ECm has a dedicated ground wire that attaches on my intake manifold, where the bracket is to hold down my Coil. I have no Idea where your PCM is grounded, but likely to the engine block somewhere and perhaps where your coild is.
Not sure where it's grounded but here's what it looks like:
View attachment 10046
SternWake said:
Look up what your coil looks like on ROckAuto. Some years they are no longer a round cylinder mounted near the distributor but a square finned box mounted near the front of the engine.
It's the finned box at the front of the engine.
SternWake said:
Making sure the Spark plug wires and that wire from Coil to distributor are NOT touching each other or anything grounded, was a dealer recommended misfiring solution/fix. SP wires can look 'just fine' and as' good as new' and be passing their spark anywhere but to the Spark plug. Often overlooked cause of misfiring and especially so on Vans where the shape of the doghouse/engine cover acts like a heat concentrator right where the SP wires reside, and Bake them.
Good call. Mine are shielded with those loose-fitting plastic sleeves st the distributor cap, and then they remain separated via wire clips on their final leg to the spark plugs.