2001 Dodge Caravan Caravan won't start after being wrecked

ZHOTSTER

MEMBER
2001 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
65,000 MILES

Thanks in advance for any guidance. I have a 2001 Caravan, it's a nice van with low miles. It was in an accident and it's sitting in my shop right now. I'm puzzled. It doesn't show any codes. The van won't turn over at all with the key (all I have is the valet key). I've checked the wiring and fuses under the hood thoroughly. I've replaced the ECU under the hood and it made no difference. Obviously, this car drove to the accident, so I know it was running. The battery is strong, but it hasn't turned over one time for me. I bought this wrecked and don't have much $$$ to hire a Chrysler mechanic to help.

After replacing the ECU (at a cost of $125 used), I'd like some ideas of what to check. The dash lights all come on, the radio works, ect. I did jump the starter direct, the van turned over but did not start.

4 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Before you think security system do below

If the engine's condition is in tip top shape-do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem that's if its cranking over and refuses to start

Get a carb cleaner and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors-

This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 6:36 PM

ZHOTSTER

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2 POSTS

Rasmataz, thanks for following up, I appreciate it. Unfortunately, the engine does not turn over at all.

I know the starter is good, as I can jump it and the car will turn over (but it will not fire).

I'm fairly confident the motor is good, it drove to this accident. I hope that makes sense.

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 8:43 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

(but it will not fire). What's missing Fuel or Spark?

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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 3:52 PM

ZHOTSTER

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2 POSTS

It has no spark. There is fuel pressure at the engine, but I can't hear a thing from the tank area when turning on the key.

So, I don't believe the fuel pump is turning on. The only way the engine turns over is by jumping the starter.

When you turn the key, you can hear a click coming from the engine bay (most likely the fuse box). The speedometer lights up like it should.

I'm not sure what to do next. We only have a valet key (that's what came with the car), I may call our local Chrysler dealer and have a new key made.

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Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 AT 9:38 PM