When it doesn't not start, nothing happens when turning the ignition key?

Tiny
MSOWKA
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
My Grand Caravan has seemingly random intermittent starting problems. Sometimes it starts, and sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't not start, nothing happens when turning the ignition key, not starter, not engine turnover - nothing. The next day, it may well start fine.

The van also has had several episodes where the instrument cluster completely goes out - all gauges - during driving. The van continues to operate during the instrument cluster failure, and eventually, they come back on.

I have had the ignition switch replaced 3 times, and also the controller, but the van still has the same issues.
Friday, September 18th, 2009 AT 10:53 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

This issue you are motioning sounds like faulty ignition switch. However since you have already have that replaced, it could a issue with the wiring for the ignition switch.
As you also experience the dash gauge outage it points to a wiring issue.

You will have to trace the wires to find the issue. It could be weak ground or a wire that could be corroded.

Here is a helpful article on how to check wiring:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I have included the wiring schematics for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 AT 10:22 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links