Van issues

[InsertCoolName]

Not sure if this is the place to post this but sure hope that someone can give me an idea.

About month or so ago the fuel pump went out in our dodge caravan(05). The gas gauge read 1/4 tank gas, but when the tank was dropped it was empty. So I was told that I ran the van out of gas and that caused the pump to burn up. Ok so $500 later, it's fixed.

However, since then if the van is hot from running, NOT over-heating, it will not start. Have to wait an hour or so for the van to start up. So if I wanna drive enough that the van warms up and I'm gonna have to shut it off, I will have to wait an hour before I can leave. As the weeks go by it's running hotter, but still not over-heating. The gauge is half way.

Well tonight I had ran to a couple of stores and then went to in laws to pick up kids and was there for about an hour. It started but was cutting out really bad. I pushed the gas and it died. Started it again and done the same thing. Third time nothing. And hte gas smell was horrible. It was like I had my head in the tank. Waited about 30 minutes and it tries to start but won't kick on over.

Since the fuel pump we have replaced the battery(it was just time for one) and spark plugs oil all that.

So, what the hell is causing this damn thing to not start when it's warm/hot(not over-heating) and the gas smell? Fuel pump not put in correctly? Gas line blocked? Or injectors messed up?

It has I think 125k miles on it.

Thanks.

[stocktrader]

This might sound remedial but did you also replace fuel and air filter?

[InsertCoolName]

I don't know if the filters were changed. If that is something that would happen normally with a replacement then I would say yes it was. But I don't know for sure. I don't have a clue other than put gas and oil in them. LOL

No the only light that is on all the time is the air bag light and it was said to be a fluke. Guess I will find out if we ever have a wreck.

I will try to get it back to them. We shall see if it starts or not. It's still sitting over at my in laws house.

Thanks!

[InsertCoolName]

Really? Dealer said it was nothing.

Anyways, FIL went and started the van right up after it had been sitting for 90 minutes. Fired right up. I'm gonna call the place that worked on it.

And I'm calling a different dealer to talk about that air bag light! Thanks Rick!

[InsertCoolName]

Code?

I'm sorry. LOL I really don't know anything about cars. How do I get a code?

[thatchica]

You can go to Autozone and they will read your codes/run a scan for free.

[InsertCoolName]

LOL Can go bang. That's funny when it shouldn't be.

Ok so I am going to take it over and have them hook it up to see if it's the erg valve. Whatever the hell that is. It sounds a lot like ekg in the ER for heart attack. Which is what my van has been having. Heart attacks.

Gonna see if it's something cheap and easy enough that I can do. LOL

[InsertCoolName]

Well looks like it is the erg valve.

[InsertCoolName]

P408 or 6...ah hell. I know it was P40something. Between 1-9. LOL

It had a list. One being a bad gas cap. And I was going to go with a new gas cap. But then thought, if I go the cheaper stuff first and it still ends up being the damn valve then I would be spending more. And the fact that it won't start once it gets warm/hot. I don't think that would be caused by a faulting gas cap. I know that I don't know much about this type of stuff...but gas cap shouldn't have anything to do with the temp of the van.

Sorry I can't remember the exact number.

[InsertCoolName]

He had some little hand held machine that he plugged into the van some how. I think fuse box thingy?

Then he walked down to the store part and looked up the codes.

[InsertCoolName]

Well, the part is already in. LOL

I won't be able to go and pick up the van til tomorrow sometime. I will know before I leave if it's been fixed or not. Cause I will start it and let it get *hot* and then turn it off. And then try to start it again. If it doesn't work they be fixing it. I'm not too worried about getting the run around though. DH's uncle owns the place. NOT the one fixing it, but he signs that guys paycheck.

[InsertCoolName]

Oh I will. Just don't yell I told you so too many times.

Hopefully I will know by lunch time tomorrow.

[InsertCoolName]

Got it back and I believe it's fixed. Well the not starting when hot is fixed anyways.

They changed the erg valve and O2 censer.

$150+ later......

[InsertCoolName]

Nope. Much cheaper than the fuel pump I burnt up. Next thing to fix will be the gas gauge but that's gonna cost as someone will have to remove the dash. Unless I can figure out the whole math to know my miles. LOL