I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan SXT with the 3.8 liter V6 engine. When I fill it up with gas when the engine is hot, the car stalls. If I fill the car to about ? gallon short of the auto cutoff of the pump, the problem does now occur. The stalling started after about 50,000 miles and feels like vapor lock. I have taken the van to two different dealers a total of 5 different times and they can not find anything wrong. I have searched the internet and have found numerous people complaining about the same problem, but no one seems to know the cause. HELP!!!
Well It would appear to be a problem with the vapor recovery system. It should be fixable, but first before spending any more money, try a new gas cap. You might get lucky and it might work.
I have taken the van to two different dealers …
Dealers are no better (or worse) than independent mechanics for almost anything you might need done on your car. They will almost always charge more per hour and often more for parts and supplies. They also tend to look at repairs a little different than the independent.
A dealer may well recommend work that strictly may not be needed, but could be connected to the problem or maybe replace a part when a little repair would fix it ALMOST as good a new.
There is no need to bring your car to the dealer for any service other than service that is going to be paid for by a recall or original warrantee. During the warranty period be sure to have all required (as listed in the owner's manual) maintenance done and to document all maintenance work.