1996 Dodge Caravan no ignition

PJWINGS

MEMBER
1996 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
152,000 MILES

Replaced front left headlight bulb after removing battery and loosening power distibution center. After reconnecting battery and repositioning power distribution center van won't start and wiper lights are flashing

Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 10:56 AM

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hello, are you saying the starter won't crank, or it cranks good but won't start?

I can't tell if your theft system, might be causing a problem? You might check some of the fuse circuits at the power distribution center, see if they're hot?

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 11:12 AM

PJWINGS

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4 POSTS

When key turned to ignition, everything electrical shuts down. Recently had to disconnect battery and move power dist center to replace headlight bulb. After reconnecting battery tach and speedometer needles spike, wiper lights flashed, engine lurched when blower fan put on high. Retightened battery connections and still have problem. HELP 11

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 11:54 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If everything electrical shuts down, how is the engine or blower motor running?

As far as the tach and speedometer, you may need to check the vss.

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 12:31 PM

PJWINGS

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4 POSTS

After reconnecting battery everything worked inside the van (1996 caravan) radio. Blower motor, instrument panel, etc. However when turning key to start engine EVERYTHING shuts down. If I put the least amount of torque on the positive terminal connection power comes back on until once again turning key to ignition position and again everything electical shuts down.. Baffling !

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 2:28 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

One of the feeds from the positive battery post should go to the power distribution center. You can check that feed circuit, I believe it is a red wire.