AboutRoland Finston Expertise I take questions about domestic Chrysler-product front wheel drive cars and minivans for the years 1982-2000 based upon my experience and shop manuals. I don't have detailed information (e.g. manuals) nor expertise for Jeeps, trucks, SUV's, import vehicles, or for years more recent than 2000 (except Sebring/Stratus I have '03).
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Experience I have been a do-it-yourself auto hobbyist for 5 decades, and most recently have been concentrating on the various Chrysler Corporation domestic front wheel drive cars and vans. I have shop manuals and wiring diagrams for many models for the years '83-'00, as well as rear wheel drive cars for the early 80's. I enjoy analyzing problems that other Chrysler enthusiasts are having and sharing my information.
Organizations belong to Group co-moderator of the Yahoo autos group The Chrysler LeBaron Club
Expert: Roland Finston Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: 1997 Grand Voyager overheating
Question Roland, A few weeks ago my Service Engine Soon light came on. I took it into a shop and they determined the cooling system relay was defective. The light no longer came on after replacement but random overheating began to occur. I took it back to the shop and they replaced the relay again. Now my Service Engine Soon light is on again and the engine still overheats. The mechanic seems to think my PCM needs replacing. If I replace the PCM, will I need it to be reprogrammed? I am looking at a part from a scrap-yard but may go new if the price is not too high.
Answer Hi Chris,
If the relay in question is the fan relay, that one has been a problem that began in the mid-90's. It is solid-state and needs to be mounted externally on the body frame rail (left of the fan module) and bolted to the frame tightly so the heat is dissipated instead of overheating the relay. So my suggestion would be to notice whether or not the fans are coming on when the temperature is rising toward H, which it should be. If it isn't then you need a new relay that is properly attached to the frame.
There was a recall so if that was never availed of you could check at a Chrysler dealer to check the computer recall records to verify that you qualify and that it never was replaced by Chrysler so you might get it done an no cost. In any case, I would not replace the module into you get a good quality module properly attached to the frame. If this is not the relay that is your problem tell me which one it is.
Roland
