Electrical problem
1998 Chrysler Town and Country 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 113,00 miles
----------------------------------------------------------------
I have been trying to find someone with an answer for a totally random starting problem with my ‘98 Chrysler Town & Country LXI, 3.8L for over a year now. Regardless of the variables I’ve listed below, everyone I’ve taken it to has been stymied by the van’s inexplicable and unpredictable faulty starts.
I have noticed that the only constant with this, is that I can get the engine to willfully turn over exactly 6 times without hesitation. It will run for about 2 seconds, then shut down and on precisely the seventh try it does absolutely nothing. It doesn't matter if the weather is hot or cold, wet or dry. It doesn't matter if I've just turned the van off, or if it's been sitting all day and night. I've attempted to lock and unlock the vehicle various ways, being suspicious of an issue with the security system, but even when I left it unlocked, I've had this problem. It may behave fine for several weeks, even months without recurring or it may happen again within 2 days of the prior occurrence. Once I've reached that seventh attempt and it has no response, it may start again in a few minutes or up to a few days later. It's totally random in occurrence and recovery. The only thing for sure is that it will do a complete start 6 times, shut off in about 2 seconds and not even respond to the ignition on the 7th time.
I've been to 4 shops, including our area's preeminent electronics expert. No error codes are logged. I've left it for almost 2 weeks at the Chrysler dealership to have them attempt to recreate this problem, but of course, it wouldn't fail while they had it! I've waited for up to eight hours to attempt to start it again between the first six starts, but it seems that it will not go to the final total failure unless I've actually completed all six starts and failures, regardless of how far apart I space them. I've even disconnected the battery cable for various lengths of time between attempts, but it still "remembers" how many tries I've made since the initial false start, before failing to start entirely. It appears it will not recover until it fails entirely on the 7th try, then it’s a crapshoot at when it will finally turnover again.
I haven't had a consistent problem with the instrument panel failure at startup, although, I have had the panel dials flat line and the odometer/trip meter displays shut off, while other lights (ABS, Service Engine Soon, Seatbelt, etc. ) begin popping on. This occurs mostly as I travel down the road and resets itself randomly, sometimes minutes later, sometimes days later. It doesn’t affect the overhead display for mileage, temperature, direction, etc. I’ve tested shutting the vehicle off to reset the displays, but the situation seems to also recur and reset just as randomly. I’m not sure that they are related issues, but I’ve included this information just in case.
Is there anyone who’s had experience with this or can share some insights?
Thank you!

I have the same problem with my 1999 town annd county (random starting failure and dash board flat lining) the mechanic can't fix as it usually works when brought in, but it hasn't started for a few days so I am towing it in on Monday, just wondering if you have heard anything, if not, if they can fix mine I will let you know what the problem is, thanks.

I have not received any help at all regarding this problem. I have taken it to the dealership; Martin Chrysler in Saginaw, MI., and left it for almost 2 weeks, but they were unable to help. I have tried 4 other service centers, some who were reputed electronics specialists, to no avail. I have sought advice from several online sources, but no one seems to have an answer. Chrysler was unwilling to offer any direction on this matter as well. Please let me know if you have any luck and I will, likewise, keep you posted. Thank you!

hi again, looks like the dealership (sarnia, Canada)can't look at it till friday now, but it will probably work for them when I bring it in there on friday!!!!!! It started a few times this weekend, But no start this morning. I've been doing some research and sound like chrysler has problems with EGC sensors, crank sensor, fuel pump.... have you had any of these replaced? also I checked for recalls, there was none, but it can't be just coinsedence that we have the EXACT same problem, (mine will turn over 6 times exactly and on the 7th nothing) But will get back to you when I know more.

I also have a 1999 T&C that is having the same problem my step dad works for a Nissan dealership and still after being a mechanic for 23 years can not figure this out.I have had every mechanic within 30 miles look at this and it seems like it is fool proof as soon as someone gets here it starts.I have the local electronic enginer looking at it this weekend if I figure any thing I'll let you all know.But it very weird that for as common of a problem as this is noone has an answer.

my mechanic is replacing the SKIM (security key Immobilization module) will let you know how works out.

I had all of those same problems, spent a lot of money at different dealerships and local mechanics. Finally, I refused to drive the van any more because I never new when I went somewhere if it would start again. I gave it to a mechanic to keep for 2 months. One night he was out in the van and it did it with him----all the guages flatlined, van motor would turn over several times and then nothing. He replaced the instrument panel with a used one and it seemed to have solved the problem for the last 2 years.

sapeachey wrote:

my mechanic is replacing the SKIM (security key Immobilization module) will let you know how works out.

Did that fix it. Because my mechanic is telling me that I will have to replace the instrument cluster? Can you call me 419-270-0230 Jay, this is my work line

to have to SKIM replaced it would cost too much, over $1300.00!!! so I just bought a new car instead, And they wern't sure that was the only problem for sure, they said thats what showed up on the diagnostic check when it wouldn't work!!! They didn't think that the instrument gauges not working was connected to the random starting failures, even though everyone that has this problem seems to have the same problems.... But I heard from a few people that replacing the instrument cluster has worked for them, and they've had no problems since. So I am sorry I couldn't help. I gave up! Its sitting in my drive way, anyone want to buy? ha ha just kidding.

Pound (kind of hard) on top of the dash until the lights and gauges start working.

This is a known issue, except to dealers and mechanics it seems, because the solution can be found on numerous forums.

We have a '98 T&C and it works for us.

BTW, if you find your key won't turn when it's put in the ignition, simply tap on the key three times with your knuckle and it will turn.