1997 Dodge Caravan

PAT CORKRAN

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
18,500 MILES

The key will start the engine but it will only run for about 3 seconds and then dies, even when I am accelerating with the gas pedal. After 30+ tries I noticed that when I turn the key on there were no indications from my dash of the key being turned on. Normally I would be able to see my gas gauge respond and my odometer reading display. These are all blank. But yet the engine will turn over and start.

Fuse?

3 Replies

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

It may be more than one problem.
First, is there engine light, or code?
After more than 30 tries, the battery might be drain.
Checvk your battery, load test it.
The problem might be a weak fuel pump.
Try to listen to the pump when crancking( buzzing from the fuel tank through the filer neck)
it could also be a dirty fuel filter.
Check those and come back to me.

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Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 AT 1:02 PM

PAT CORKRAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Unfortunately, when I returned home in the evening, the car started right up. It had something to do with the dash electronics not coming on. I believe it must have been a stuck/sticky relay. When the dash electronics worked so did starting the car.

It shouldn't have been the battery because the starter was cranking strongly each time. It shouldn't have been the fuel injector UNLESS it is somehow connected to the dash electronics circuit. It is doubtful that it was a fuel filter because the car turned off at the exact same time no matter whether it was being run at idle or being revved up.

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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 10:50 PM

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

The problem might be in the ignition switch.
because when the key is in "on position" you should see the instrument panel self test(gauge light on)
you said that the car start even when it is blank, so I think the problem is in the switch.