auto mechanics:invest in code reader?

[escavader]

TIG,
When I get a chance ill video tape it and see if TBN has enough juice to download it here.That would be awesome to have my car diagnosed on here!!
Ive had alot of problems with this car since i bought it new,mostly electrical,and it is terribly water prone[I change alot of fuel filters,and am forced to use dry gas often in winters.
My latest adventure has it suddenly hesitating on a certain throttle position.[FIRST THOUGHT THROTLE POSITION SENSOR]I suspected water,started adding dry gas,which helped.After serveral tankfuls of super each with isoheat,and advancing the timing slightly the problem went away.Then suddenly it all came back,and wammo car wont even stay running.Isuspected the throttle position sensor,but ive got my doubts now.In the last few ive changed all the electrical components ,so id be guessing at best.Put a new fuel filter in last night no change.has a new fuel pump.The smog control crap has been out of the car for years Before i get too involved in these codes im gonna check the timing,could have jumped a tooth,its been 80000 since i changed the belt.SEE ALL IM DOING IS GUESSING
This car is a peice of crap [even though im trying]but i commute,and when its running good itll get 30 mpg
talk to you guys later got to go to work at 430 to earn money to sink into my dodge money pit
ALAN

 

[Tig]

If you have trouble posting the video try Free Image and Video Hosting - Photo Image Hosting Site : Photobucket.com and post the link.

 

[escavader]

HELLO,WELL lets try to show you this
ALAN

 

[escavader]

HI
Well i decided not to use the photo bucket thing,too much info needed for this one video,so ill try to upload it here again,which i dont think is gonna work.So here is my best guess at what i see.
3 flashes,pause,5 flashes
3flashes,pause 7 flashes
5 flashes pause 5 flashes
note the beggining flashes were not like the end flashes
i have it handy on the video tape in my computer if you want me to review again

Someone outside tbn asked if my cadillatic converter was original.It is and i have 190000 miles on this car .This is one good thing about this car,with the exception of the muffler nothing else has ever rotted out up here in salt land How can you tell without cutting apart your exhaust if its plugging up?
ALAN

 

[TCBoomer]

To the trained eye, a vacuum gauge will help determine if it's starting to plug. Best bet is to remove the 02 sensor and using a pressure gauge, check the exh backpressure at 2K rpm. It shouldn't be over 2", if it is, most likely the cats plugged. If it's under 1 1/2" it should be fine.

 

[Tig]

Finally found a link to the codes.
Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge computer fault codes
35 Cooling fan relay circuit open or shorted
37 Shift indicator light failure, 5-speed
OR
part throttle lock/unlock solenoid driver circuit (87-89)
OR
solenoid coil circuit (85-89 Turbo I-IV)
OR
Trans temperature sensor voltage low (1995 and on; see NOTE 2)
55 End of codes
Doesn't look like those codes could stop a car.
By the way that allpar site has some resources that may help you.

 

[TCBoomer]

Escavader...does the car start and can you rev it up or does it just cut right out after starting? A plugged cat can keep a vehicle from even starting. You could always just unbolt the exh from the manifold and see if the problem is corrected...the noise might annoy a neighbor though.

Another quick trick for checking cat conv's is to feel how much exh exits the tail pipe using your hand, but not knowing what is normal might cause some doubts. You could always compare the results to a known good running vehicle.

 

[Bedlam]

Anyone here might be interested in this forum.
Venturi’s Automotive Forum - Home
I used it once awhile ago. and got some good results. I'm sure there are others forums also if you search.
Someone there was able to take my code and tell me the possibilities it could be.
Hope it helps
Allan

 

[escavader]

Escavader...does the car start and can you rev it up or does it just cut right out after starting? A plugged cat can keep a vehicle from even starting. You could always just unbolt the exh from the manifold and see if the problem is corrected...the noise might annoy a neighbor though.

Another quick trick for checking cat conv's is to feel how much exh exits the tail pipe using your hand, but not knowing what is normal might cause some doubts. You could always compare the results to a known good running vehicle.

Car starts and acts like it is either starving for fuel,or not running on all 4.
started fluttering[sound] on a straight away putting along.When i came to a stop sign had to put it in neutral to keep it going[its an auto]barely got it home ,stalled 4 times getting it in the garage.changed fuel filter no help.[system was pressurized ]seems to me it would have to be electrical,clogged exhaust.I have always used injector cleaner each oil change,and believe this is a throttle body system not individual injectors correct?Has a new fuel pump.I ttok out the emissions crap years ago,and plugged the vacuum lines.I cannot detect any vacuum leaks.no vaper coming out the exhaust orno bubbles on the dipstick[head gasket]The problem came on on an easy straight away,so i want to rule out jumped timing belt.I tested the wires with an ohms tester seemed good.every thing else was replaced in the last year.roter button.cap,plugs As YOU CAN SEE IM GUESSING,WISH THE CODE HAD READ SOMETHING SPECIFIC.MOST DIDNT APPLY TO MY 94 DODGE AUTO 4 CYLINDER I relly wish i hadnt recently put in thet new cv joint,roter,brake disks pads and done all that body work.I thought i might get another year out of it then get rid of it.Should have known better.This has gotta be the car that has been the most nichol and dimer that i have ever had.
Anyone need some DODGE PARTS?

ALAN

 

[Ifixcars]

You said it! the Dodge 2.2 - 2.5L car is known as the mechanic's friend! I just love to see one come in my shop! We used to feast on them but now, they are a vanishing breed, gone to the big junkyard in the sky. Soon they will be extinct. Goodbye to the Turismo, Reliant, Laser, Lancer, New Yorker, Fifth Ave. LeBaron, Caravan, Daytona and Spirit, you will be missed by us techs.