95 caravan stumbles and dies

3109 Views 18 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ka9yhd, Sep 11, 2015

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · Sep 8, 2015

I just got my close friend a 95 caravan from a friend at church she lives in NC I'm in sc, anyway she had discovered last week that it would stumble and die sometimes at idle sometimes while driving long distance (hr long or so) it has a mild skip and kinda rough idle, it throws the codes 12,21,23, during the long runs light stays on, I have read the o2 sensor can kill the engine if bad, that I'd a first for me hearing that, based on the info I have and codes I have does anybody have a similar situation and solutions? A direction I can go in without Throwing parts at it anyet information that can help me help her is greatly appreciated

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

valiant67

· #2 · Sep 8, 2015 (Edited)

What engine? What mileage on the van? How long since the last tune up?

A bad O2 sensor can kill any engine - running too rich dilutes the oil with unburned gasoline which can damage the engine.

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 8, 2015

190 not change, 2.5

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 8, 2015

And** stupid auto correct

valiant67

· #5 · Sep 8, 2015

Are you sure there was a code 23? Usually the codes start with 12 and end with 55.

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 8, 2015

Yeah intake air temp sensor and o2 sensor and battery disconnected memory lost within last 50-100 starts

ka9yhd

· #7 · Sep 8, 2015

valiant67 said:
What engine? What mileage on the van? How long since the last tune up?

A bad O2 sensor can kill any engine - running too rich dilutes the oil with unburned gasoline which can damage the engine.

I agree about when was the last tune up? Also has the throttle body ever been cleaned?

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 8, 2015

I had a code 55 once

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 8, 2015

I shot carb cleaner in it a couple times it had
Sato for a few years also

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #10 · Sep 8, 2015

It has a minor skip I'm planning on plugs and wiresources soon

valiant67

· #11 · Sep 8, 2015

Code 12 is insignificant. It is set any time another code is set. Ignore code 12 and do a tune up. It may need an O2 sensor but there could be other reasons for code 12. I'm not sure that 23 is a valid code for that van, but it could be since it's the 4 cylinder.

Reactions: 1

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #12 · Sep 8, 2015

Yeah I'm going to do the o2, next week I found one for 17.00 , I hope it's what is killing the engine if I think of anything else that is going on IL be sure to post it, thanks for the help valiant67 and ka9yhd!

ka9yhd

· #13 · Sep 9, 2015 (Edited)

I just looked through the service manual for my 92 Grand Voyager and I do not see a code 23 listed.
12 is something about battery being disconnected and 55 is end of message.

If it has factory ignition wires then you will see a date code on them, such as 1-14 which is for the wires I recently purchased at the dealer.

As for the throttle body make sure you clean out the bore and edges of the throttle plate with an old tooth brush and throttle body cleaner, then hose out the bypass port for the AIS valve, and any vacuum passages.

ImperialCrown

· #14 · Sep 9, 2015

Code 55 is insignificant, it just means 'end of message'.
Use an OEM O2 sensor if you are replacing it. I have had problems with Bosch and 'Universal' O2 sensors.
Also use the correct Champion Copper Plus spark plugs listed on the underhood label for the vehicle. If this is a 2.5L, check the cap and rotor for wear.
Change the oil and filter as needed if the dipstick smells like gas.

Reactions: 1

ka9yhd

· #15 · Sep 9, 2015

IC just a note on the under hood labels. I have seen them with wrong gap listed and on my 92 Grand Voyager with the 3.3 Liter the under hood label calls for RN16 plugs but the Champion book shows RN14.

bguy

· #16 · Sep 9, 2015

Based on my experience with my ol' 95, the fuel filter would be the first thing I'd change.

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #17 · Sep 10, 2015

bguy said:
Based on my experience with my ol' 95, the fuel filter would be the first thing I'd change.

DID that last weekend she drove it shortly after, and same thing happened, but to my knowledge not sense

Spark plug

Discussion Starter · #18 · Sep 10, 2015

ka9yhd said:
I just looked through the service manual for my 92 Grand Voyager and I do not see a code 23 listed.
12 is something about battery being disconnected and 55 is end of message.

If it has factory ignition wires then you will see a date code on them, such as 1-14 which is for the wires I recently purchased at the dealer.

As for the throttle body make sure you clean out the bore and edges of the throttle plate with an old tooth brush and throttle body cleaner, then hose out the bypass port for the AIS valve, and any vacuum passages.

How do I clean out the vacuum passages, seafoam?

ka9yhd

· #19 · Sep 11, 2015

There are two vacuum hoses on top of the throttle body, remove the hoses and spray the throttle body cleaner in the nipples.

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