2001 Dodge Van Won't Start

PETERCOWENS

MEMBER
2001 DODGE VAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

Just drove back from PDX towing a light trailer. When turn ignition on, good cranking but no start and fuel gauge reads empty. Put 5 gallons in to make sure. Also relay under hood closest to firewall clicks rapidly. Turned key off pulled relay out and could not see any visible damage and replaced it. Towed to independent mechanic who could not get a "communication" from Computer. He brought in another mechanic whose reader should be able to communicate but was unsuccessful and says the Van needs an new engine computer.~$700 plus programming. Does this sound reasonable or should I take it to a Dodge dealership to have their mechanics diagnose the problem

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 AT 8:36 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

Hi petercowens. Welcome to the forum. "Needs a new computer" is what a lot of mechanics fall back on before they roll up their sleeves and really diagnose the problem. This is especiaslly true of mechanics who work on a lot of GM vehicles. It is common to replace Engine Computers on them, but Chrysler has very little Engine Computer trouble.

Failure to communicate is fairly common too with aftermarket scanners. While the industry is standardizing many things including the diagnostic connector wiring, there are some terminals that are left up to the manufacturer's discretion. Before you shell out for a computer that likely won't solve the problem, visit the dealer or any independent mechanic who has Chrysler's DRB3 scanner. I have one and with a plug-in card it will also work on any brand of car sold in the U.S. Since 1996.

The most common cause of stalling / no-start problems is the crankshaft position sensor.

Caradiodoc

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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 AT 10:04 PM