Back to 1998 Dodge Caravan
Help
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
3.8L V6•FWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
14 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Founding sponsor spot is openYour name on every procedure for this vehicle, permanently.Sponsor — $99 →
Repairs0Labor498Torque2181Fluid7DTC893Battery1Maintenance0Recalls14
P1297high severityPowertrain

No Change In MAP From Start To Run

on 1998 Dodge Caravan 3.8L V6 · FWD

What this code means

The PCM has detected no change in the MAP sensor reading between engine cranking and engine running. Normally, MAP pressure drops significantly when the engine starts and develops vacuum. A flat MAP signal indicates the sensor is not responding.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Poor engine performance
  • Rich running condition
  • Black smoke
  • Poor fuel economy

Common causes

  • Faulty MAP sensor (stuck reading)
  • MAP sensor vacuum hose disconnected
  • MAP sensor hose blocked or kinked
  • Wiring issue providing fixed voltage to sensor
  • PCM fault

Diagnostic steps

  1. Monitor MAP sensor reading during cranking and after start
  2. Inspect MAP sensor vacuum hose connection and condition
  3. Apply vacuum to MAP sensor with hand pump and watch reading change
  4. Test MAP sensor wiring for opens or shorts
  5. Check 5V reference and ground circuits

Repair notes

Replace the MAP sensor if it does not respond to vacuum changes.

🔌 Don't have a code reader?
Any of these will read and clear this code — pick by how deep you want to go.
Budget handheld~$40
ANCEL AD410 →
No-phone-needed handheld — reads, clears, live data, freeze frame.
✓ ANCEL official store
Serious DIY~$100
BlueDriver Pro →
Enhanced codes (ABS, airbag, TPMS) plus repair reports.
SHOP FAVORITE
Shop-grade tablet~$300
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S →
Bidirectional tests, service resets, all systems.
✓ Autel official store
Pro diagnostics$1,500+
Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro →
Full-system pro platform — topology mapping, ECU coding, the works.
✓ Autel official store
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

🔌 Need this data in your app? It's all in the free API →
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
Stuck on this repair? Take it to The Diag Desk — ask a master tech about this exact car → real human answer within 24h, never AI
Share:XRedditFBWhatsAppThreadsEmail
⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 1998 Dodge Caravan repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the Dodge Caravan — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 10 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →