1996 Dodge Caravan Failure to Start

SNOWMOMMY

MEMBER
1996 DODGE CARAVAN

Engine Performance problem
1996 Dodge Caravan Automatic 170000 miles

My Dodge Caravan is in excellent condition, we have maintained it very well.
About a week and a half ago the ServiceEngine Soon light came on. It was almost due for an oil change so, while there, I got them to check the emissions. I was told everything looked fine and to try replacing the fuel cap and then disconnecting the battery and re-connecting it. Did that and, ta-da, eveything seemed perfect!
Later the same day the Service Engine Soon light came back on.

Now, a week later, I went to start my van this morning. All electrical: radio, a/c, lights came on perfectly, but the engine did not start. It never even tried, there was just no response. I attempted to turn the key a jfew more times and still nothing. Waited a couple of minutes then it strated perfectly fine. I dropped my daughter off at daycare and got back in the van for another repeat preformance of having to attempt the key turn a few times before it went.

Please help!

1 Reply

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

When the problem occurred, the starter wouldn't crank? Maybe the ignition switch or lock cylinder? There should be a starter relay in the power distribution center, under the hood. You should be able to crank the starter from the relay terminals by using a jumper wire. I don't know how comfortable you would be trying that? You could use a testlite, test how many relay terminals are hot, with the relay unplugged, key in the crank position. Any testing, make sure the tranny is in park or neutral and the e-brake is set.