1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES P0340 and SES 54

Hello,

Have been viewing your forum and this is my first post. I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES, 3.8L V6, with 90,800 miles. Some background information. Replace the starter about four years ago. Approximately 5 times per year (weather doesn't seem to be a factor) the van won't start with the first key crank. Turn it off/on and it starts up. About 4 months ago, the van stalled once while driving down the road doing low to moderate speed 15-25. Checked fluids - oil and atf was low and topped off. Van started and drove fine. Discounted the stall to fluid levels. Couple of weeks ago the solenoid pack was bad and has been changed out.

Since the solenoid change, the van has stalled about 5 times. All stalls have been at very low to almost stop speed. Right before the first of the five recent stalls, I heard a scraping/growling sound. Sound stopped and has not returned. The service engine soon light has come on displaying a 54 code. What is code 54? The OBD II code reader was able to retrieve a DTC P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit (Bank 1 or single sensor). The freeze frame data is:

Fuel System
Open Loop

Calculate Load
0.0%

Engine Coolant Temperature
201 F

STFT Bank 1
0.0%

LTFT Bank 1
0.0%

Intake Manifold Pressure
21.8 in.hg

Engine RPM
000 RPM

Vehicle Speed
1 MPH

Several posts on this forum had a P0340 with a no start condition. Mine is intermittent stalling along with a 54 code. Can other things be malfunctioning and make the CPS trouble code to display instead? Any replies and insight would be appreicated. Thanks.

Darlene

well, I would like to wait and see what some of the expert techs here have to say, they are mostly east coasters and have their own shops so they are sleeping.....off hand and I dont want to scare you there are a number of things, but a bad trany/and or torque converter comes to mind....hang in there and check back tomowro and monday. good luck and please let me know what happens if you do get it fixed, thanks

the first issue sounds like a bad computer, but tell me does it have a timing belt or chain, if chain the miles are about right for it to stretch and be worn, the scraping?

Thank you for your two replies. I am told it that the 3.8L V6 has a timing chain, not a timing belt. Could the transmission be bad and cause the 54 and P0340 codes? Overall the van is driving good, no more transmission limp mode problem and it seems to be running smooth. BTW, with the new transmission solenoid pack, the van is so much quieter! When I get other replies or an answer, I will definitely post back information.

not likely the pcm is an issue, cam sensor maybe, cracked flywheel maybe, wiring issue to the cam sensor is probable, pcm is not

Hello Jeff. Thanks for your reply. I will be checking the items you mentioned. Are the aftermarket sensors reliable or do I need to purchase from the dealer?

I think jeff is right, seems to me we had one of those in here several years back, it WAS eating starters and turned out a couple of the bolts holding the flex plate had fallen out..........I hope you get it fixed....

HAd a neon in this week with 3 new crank sensors in the last 9 months, all aftermarket, the mopar one fixed it the first time. your call