No start

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.8L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 182,683,131 MILES
I recently purchased this van on good faith. It ran fine, no odd smells, no strange noises or anything ran just like it had come from the factory (actually).

I pulled Into a driveway, left the van to idle for approximately two minutes. Got back into the van, put it in reverse stopped put van in drive hit the gas, and boom. It stalled and now refuses to restart. You can smell gas when I try to crank. Already changed the crankshaft position sensor. There is fuel in the rail. Starter does what it is supposed to do, but my father in law says there is no spark, exchanged ignition coil. Still nothing, no cel on, but obd pulled a code P0750, but apparently the vehicle could still start with that code? Battery drained, so I charged it. There is still rapid battery drainage when I go to try and start it up so I just disconnected the battery to prevent further drainage. I am at a total loss here.
Saturday, March 10th, 2018 AT 5:15 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

Did you check the actual fuel pressure? I would start there and see if it has sufficient pressure to start.

Can you hear the fuel pump run when you turn on the key?
Does the tachometer on the dash move up a little when cranking?

When you said boom, was that just that it stopped or did it make a loud noise?

Roy
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
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Just that it stopped. Yes, there is pressure. Yes, the fuel pump makes a whirring sound when the key is turned and the tachometer does move up a little when cranking.
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I would still check the pressure. You can have a pump that runs but not produce enough pressure to run.

The next step is to check compression. Need to be sure timing is good between the cam and the crank.

Roy
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
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I actually just took a look at the fuel filter. Would you believe it actually looks like original equipment? Anyhow, I am going to try it out, just in case I am not actually getting full flow. I would hate for it to be the pump, because I am poor.
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
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Okay, give it a try and keep us updated.

Roy
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
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Little update: went to change the fuel filter. Now I am getting a new fuel pump as well. Apparently I am too brash, was prying the old filter off and I broke one of the nipples on the pump. So, going to change it tomorrow and hopefully my old but new to me van works again.
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Sunday, March 11th, 2018 AT 6:59 PM
Tiny
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Okay, keep me updated.
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 4:45 AM
Tiny
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On a side note: when I cut the lines on the fuel pump, I had not relieved any fuel pressure, meaning I did not open the gas cap or anything and there was barely any flow back. I have changed a few filters before, but never anything like this monstrosity.
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 8:09 AM
Tiny
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Yep, got a long line attached to it.

Roy
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 8:11 AM
Tiny
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So I do not have a strap wrench. Any ideas what else I could use? Or any tips on how to get the electrical connection off the top of the pump without breaking it?
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 8:13 AM
Tiny
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The way I usually do the pump is this. I use a floor jack on the passenger side of the tank and remove the strap. Then lower the tank. It usually gives you enough room to remove the pump, fuel filter and better access to the plug for the pump.

Roy
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
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Yeah, l do not have that thanks. I am talking about the electrical connection. There needs to be an easy button for that one.
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
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That would be nice LOL.
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
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Well, new filter, almost new fuel pump (that works) and still sfa. Anymore ideas? The guy who sold it too me had all the fluids changed before he sold it. New spark plugs, new coil pack, the rings were even done and a new seal are on it. I am at a loss. Even put in a new crankshaft sensor. I am poor and this dude sold me a $1,200.00 paperweight.
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
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Can you hear the fuel pump run when the key is turned on?
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I certainly can.
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
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Okay, is there pressure at the valve on the fuel line?

Roy
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
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Yes, my wife just smelled the dipstick. Says it smells like gasoline mixed in the oil. Recent changes: new fuel pump, fuel filter, oil pressure switch, coolant temperature switch.
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Monday, March 12th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
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So, still nothing. Changed the camshaft sensor and the crankshaft and still no spark or even a hint of it turning over, disappointing.
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Tuesday, March 13th, 2018 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
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Okay.

Check all your fuses with a test light for power on both sides with the key on.

Also, does the check engine light come on when you turn the key on?

Can you check for voltage at the cam sensor?

Roy
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Tuesday, March 13th, 2018 AT 1:45 PM

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