Caravan Charge Sensor Issues Causing Power Loss

Had almost the exact same issue with my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan last year. I have some experience working on cars but when temperature sensor issues pop up, I prefer having a pro handle it. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, engine light, reduced power, and that distinctive whistling noise. The air temperature sensor readings were jumping all over the place, affecting the airflow sensor data too. Took it to my regular workshop and they found a damaged wire connection at the temperature sensor plug. The constant engine vibration had worn through some of the insulation, causing intermittent signal issues. Total repair was 95€ including diagnostic time. While they had it open, they checked the entire air intake system and surrounding sensors since these components often fail around the same age. Worth having them inspect the complete airflow system when they do the repair. To help troubleshoot further: Has the check engine light been constant or flickering? What are the exact temperature readings you are getting? Have you noticed if the symptoms get worse in specific weather conditions? Let me know these details and I can share more specific insights from my experience.

Last service was at 92231 KM and the symptoms started shortly after. You raise good points about checking the complete system. The check engine light has been constant, no flickering. The air temperature readings swing between -20C and +50C within minutes, which seems impossible. The whistling is definitely worse on cold mornings. Based on your experience with the wiring issue, I will have them inspect all connections when checking the charge sensor and air intake components. The constant temperature fluctuations do suggest a possible wiring problem rather than just a faulty sensor. Has anyone else needed to replace the actual charge air temperature sensor itself, or are wiring repairs usually the solution?

Thanks for those additional details. Your temperature fluctuation readings are even more extreme than what I saw on my Caravan. Mine swung between -5C and +35C, but -20C to +50C definitely confirms a serious signal issue. The cold morning symptoms actually helped diagnose my issue too. The wiring problem got worse as the connections contracted in cold temperatures, making the poor contact even more problematic. The automotive sensor readings would go crazy within the first 10 minutes of morning drives. After fixing the wiring, they did end up replacing my charge air temperature sensor as well. The constant electrical irregularities from the bad connection had damaged the sensor itself. The complete repair including both the wiring harness and new air sensor ran about 180€. The temperature gauge should show consistent, logical readings that match ambient conditions. Those wild swings you are seeing combined with the cold weather correlation strongly suggest you are dealing with the same dual issue, damaged wiring and a compromised sensor. Just a heads up, while they are in there checking the air intake system, have them inspect the wiring to other nearby sensors too. These failures tend to happen in clusters as all the wiring in that area ages similarly.

The severe temperature swings between -20C and +50C definitely point toward the combined wiring and sensor issues you experienced. Good to know about the cold weather connection making diagnosis clearer. My morning symptoms match your description exactly, the airflow sensor and engine performance are at their worst during the first 10 minutes of cold starts. The air temperature readings become more stable once everything warms up, but never fully correct themselves. I will schedule the repair and request a full inspection of the air intake system and surrounding wiring harness. At 92000+ KM, preventative replacement of nearby components makes sense if they show similar wear. Better to address everything while they have that area opened up. 180€ seems reasonable for both the wiring repair and new charge air temperature sensor. The consistent check engine light and power loss are impacting daily driving enough to justify getting it fixed properly rather than trying temporary fixes. Thanks for confirming that these failures often involve both wiring and sensor damage. I will post an update once the repair is completed to share what they end up finding.