Vehicle in question: grand caravan sportYear: 2003Engine: 3.3LMiles: 125,000Eng codes: p1682, p1684, p0700, p0622Today 07-01-12 I am over 1000 miles from home and started experiencing the following symptoms about 20 miles from my final destination: I was driving on a road that quite a few waves in it (kind of road that makes your front end bounce up and down a lot). Shortly after that the red battery icon displayed on the dash. I previously encountered this. about two months before and had to reconnect a loose connector to the alternator. After noticing the battery icon the yellow ABS icon flashed intermittently followed by my noticing that now the van would not shift properly. I was driving about 40 MPH and rpm would not fall bellow 3500-4000 (rough numbers), i noticed no other hiccups in the engine. At this time the check engine light decided to come on.While the other problems were occurring the red brake light started to flash intermittently and I then notices the ABS light was constantly on. I looked for a place to pull over in a very narrow road and proceed to look around in the engine for anything obvious. I went straight to the alternator plug and jiggled it and I thought I heard something 'click' (I left the engine running the whole time for fear of not being able to restart the van). I went back in and noticed that all instrument lighting was very dim, so I shut off all possible loads, AC, radio, accessories plugged in, including an inverter. The instrument lights brightened up again after a short while. Prior to my pulling over the ABS light and brake light extinguished.I decided to proceed on to my destination and had no further ABS, brake, shifting, or instrument lighting issues. The check engine light and battery icon remained on though. Once I arrived at my destination I shut the car off and restarted it with no starting issues, though the check engine light was still on, understandably until I reset it. The codes I pulled by the ignition key method were p1682, p1684, p0700, and p0622. Any feedback on this is appreciated as I'm very far from home and don't want to get abused by the local dealer. Everything seems like an electrical power issue to me, but that p0700 tranny code has me a little concerned. I still lean towards it being related to the plug.
Welcome to Just Answer Dodge my name is XXXX XXX I will be assisting you this evening.In case you're not familiar with the descriptions of those fault codes, I will list them here...P1682-CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTAGE TOO LOWPOSSIBLE CAUSESB+ CIRCUIT HIGH RESISTANCEGENERATOR GROUND HIGH RESISTANCEINTERMITTENT CONDITION(K20) GENERATOR FIELD DRIVER CIRCUIT OPEN(K342) ASD RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPENGENERATORP0622-GENERATOR FIELD NOT SWITCHING PROPERLYPOSSIBLE CAUSESGENERATOR OPERATION(K342) ASD RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPEN(K20) GENERATOR FIELD DRIVER CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND(K20) GENERATOR FIELD DRIVER CIRCUIT OPENGENERATOR FIELD COIL OPENGENERATOR FIELD COIL SHORTEDPCMP1682-CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTAGE TOO LOWPOSSIBLE CAUSESB+ CIRCUIT HIGH RESISTANCEGENERATOR GROUND HIGH RESISTANCEINTERMITTENT CONDITION(K20) GENERATOR FIELD DRIVER CIRCUIT OPEN(K342) ASD RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPENGENERATORThe P0700 code is likely also being set due to the low charging voltage but of course we can't know for certain until the TCM is also scanned for the additional trans code that has been stored.All the other codes are pointing to a charging system problem, and low voltage in the vehicle can, and will, cause a multitude of electrical issues to develop.So, where do you go from here?Well, if you have previously identified a bad connection at the alternator/generator, then you need to re-visit that and see if it still alright. If the wiring appears to be intact, then you are likely looking at an alternator failure or a PCM failure.The PCM can be commanded to operate the alternator to confirm whether or not the alternator is the problem or the PCM. This testing procedure does require the use of a scan tool though so if you are planning on visiting the nearest dealer, this is the test they will run to confirm which of these is causing your troubles.Please let me know what else you might need to know before rating my assistance. My goal is to answer your questions until you are 100% satified..........and I hope you have a safe trip once this issue is taken care of!If you would like any additional information or have more questions please don’t hesitate to ask! Please remember to only rate my answer when you are 100% satisfied. IF you feel the need to click either "Helped a little" or "I expected more", please stop and reply to me via the CONTINUE CONVERSATION button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you are seeking.Thank you,