1996 Dodge Caravan stalling

I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE. After it is driven for a while it will start loosing power and chugging. If you leave it for a few hours then it will start back up and go. Engine machine said it had a code for a vapor lock. Any suggestions?

Mark Conkling wrote:

I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE. After it is driven for a while it will start loosing power and chugging. If you leave it for a few hours then it will start back up and go. Engine machine said it had a code for a vapor lock. Any suggestions?

We had this same problem-it was intermittent for the longest time and then one day it would not start at all. Only after the last episode was the problem fixed- Replaced the fuel pump. Prior to this we heard everything from vapor lock to various sensors and wasted hundreds of dollars. Mechanics told us the fuel pumps either work or they don't. Wrong- they also work intermittently.

I'm currently having the same problem with my 96 Grand Caravan, fortunately or not, my mechanic said he could not find anything wrong with it. I would make your suggestion to him and see if it works out.

If the van is running for a short time and then all the sudden just acts like it begins to loose power when you accelerate and as the next few mins go by.. it gets worse and worse... your problem will most likely be in the fuel pump. what is happening is the fuel pump is getting hot and shutting off or is not pumping the gas anymore. This acts like vapor locking which is something that happened with the old carb cars. Easy fix... there is a hose with a cap coming off of the fuel tank. Hook a siphon hose up to that and pump your siphon ball (one of the squeeze ball type fluid transfer hose or any siphon hose will work). Drain your gas into a fuel safe container. remove the two or three lines at the rear of the tank. (you will need one of the fuel line disconnect tools) Use jack to support tank. Remove the two bolts holding the tank straps in place. Lower jack slowly... you will need to slide it off of the inlet tube coming in from the drivers side of the tank. Also there is a vent hose on the top of the tank.... you will need to remove it while it is still somewhat up in the air. Also disconnect the electrical connector. You should be able to lower it completely now. ONce it is down... use a hammer and flat blade screwdriver to knock the locking ring loose on the fuel pump. remove from tank, remove hoses from old pump and install on new pump and install new pump in tank. Now reverse the tank removal instructions and you will be good to go. You need to also replace the fuel filter as well. One thing you may want to do is use a air compressor (compressed air) and blow the top of the fuel tank off... it will have lots of loose dirt and stuff on top... this will keep as much dirt from falling into the tank itself.

My 96 did exact same thing and then finally gave out. Replaced fuel pump and it is fixed. Now it looks like the starter gave out yesterday. AAARGGGHHH

Mark Conkling wrote:

I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE. After it is driven for a while it will start loosing power and chugging. If you leave it for a few hours then it will start back up and go. Engine machine said it had a code for a vapor lock. Any suggestions?

Mark Conkling wrote:

I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE. After it is driven for a while it will start loosing power and chugging. If you leave it for a few hours then it will start back up and go. Engine machine said it had a code for a vapor lock. Any suggestions?

Are you looking to get rid of it.

1993 Caravan LE, Just got it and it ran good. have way home, I turned a corner and it got sluggish and died. now it dies after driven for awhile but only when u turn a corner. Help

I have a 1996 Dodge Caravan with a 3.3 liter engine. While driving down the highway at right below 3/4 of a tank the engine will shut off and die. I got pushed to a gas station put 3 gallons in and it would drive fine. As long as I keep it above 3/4 in the tank it will stay running. I took it to two different mechanics and they could not find anything wrong with it. Changed the fuel pump abut 6 months ago. Please give me some advice.

I had a 93 Caravan with exactly the same issues...and even AFTER a fuel pump replacemnt it still happened. I eventually junked the van for this reason...sad as it was nice in most respects.

replace fuel pump

With a bit of dirt in the tank, the fuel filter could be cloged,for $10 change that first,then look at the fuel pump