Hey, I have a '98 Caravan with the 3.0, 197K miles on it.
I've been noticing that at 45mph or higher, when driving a steady speed on a flat road (there's no hills around here), the RPM's of the engine surge every few minutes.
Happens regularly every two to three minutes --- the van doesn't seem to slip out of gear -- speed is maintained -- but it feels like maybe a 500rpm uptick is happening. It only stays high for a few seconds, and then it goes back to normal performance.
Doesn't matter whether I have the car in 3rd gear or in overdrive.
I'm guessing this is going to be either a sensor issue -- or something a tune-up can correct.
All fluids are fine (oil leaks about a quart a week; some ticking from the engine is typical but its not too loud; trans fluid is good.)
Check Engine light has been on ever since I got the van. I know a mechanic one state away who will check it for free, so, when I am out that way next month I might have him look up the codes. Right now I'm just trying to get some ideas for what it might be.
Like I said, I'm reasonably certain this isn't a trans issue -- I had transmissions go out in some 4.6 V8 Ford's I owned... and this doesn't sound or feel like that did.
Thanks for any ideas.
I've been noticing that at 45mph or higher, when driving a steady speed on a flat road (there's no hills around here), the RPM's of the engine surge every few minutes.
Happens regularly every two to three minutes --- the van doesn't seem to slip out of gear -- speed is maintained -- but it feels like maybe a 500rpm uptick is happening. It only stays high for a few seconds, and then it goes back to normal performance.
Doesn't matter whether I have the car in 3rd gear or in overdrive.
I'm guessing this is going to be either a sensor issue -- or something a tune-up can correct.
All fluids are fine (oil leaks about a quart a week; some ticking from the engine is typical but its not too loud; trans fluid is good.)
Check Engine light has been on ever since I got the van. I know a mechanic one state away who will check it for free, so, when I am out that way next month I might have him look up the codes. Right now I'm just trying to get some ideas for what it might be.
Like I said, I'm reasonably certain this isn't a trans issue -- I had transmissions go out in some 4.6 V8 Ford's I owned... and this doesn't sound or feel like that did.
Thanks for any ideas.