Johan (65.100.183.216) - Wed Jul 30 20:55:16 2008

When I turn the key the instrument panel lights go off but the engine does not turn. I only hear click sound. There was nothing wrong with the van earlier.

Reply #1 miriam (206.248.121.37) - Mon Nov 10 22:02:00 2008

my grand caravan 1998 dont want to start too. i only heard the sound but dont started to run.

Reply #2 jennifer (67.169.52.54) - Tue Nov 18 11:09:24 2008

My van wont start it just makes a clicking noise. What do I do?

Reply #3 Chelsea26 (222.127.111.234) - Thu Nov 20 04:02:05 2008

commonly, it's a spark or fuel related problem that makes your car not able to start.. or possibly a dead battery.

Reply #4 David (75.142.221.241) - Sun Nov 30 14:02:13 2008

My van won't start and I'm hearing clicking from the fuse box under the hood?

Reply #5 ERIC (173.3.38.157) - Sun Nov 30 16:33:10 2008

1997 DODGE VAN- DID A MOTOR SWAP TI RAN FOR 2 IN THEN SHUT OFF-- NOW MOTOR WILL NOT START, CHANGED PLUGS, WIRES, CAP AND ROTOR ANY SUGGESTIONS??

Reply #6 Dan (75.70.79.103) - Mon Dec 1 22:41:21 2008

I have a 97 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3l. It has been runnin fine. Today, I stated it, drove across the parking lot, hooked up my trailer, came back and parked. A short time later I went to start it again. It started, ran 2-3 seconds, died, and has not started since.

Has good spark, check for codes, had code 12 which was generated because I had checked the fuses first. Can't say I can hear the fuel pump. However, the tank is full and all the gages check out.

The crank sensor was replace with a used one when I replace the transmission over a year ago.

suggestions? I can not afford a mechanic.

Reply #7 mark (68.51.121.213) - Thu Jan 29 14:51:56 2009

If you haven't fixed it yet, try this- disconnect the air intake hose from the throttle body and shoot some starting fluid in then try to start it. If it fires up and runs only to die out, there is a fuel delivery issue. My 97 had the fuel pump expire when I left the grocery store. It was running horribly rough like on two cylinders, then would not start at all. I did the trick I mentioned earlier to diagnose, and after crawling under the van with the ignition in the run position, beat the hell out of the underside of the plastic fuel tank. It woke up the fuel pump, and I drove it home. Once home, I shut the van off and it would not restart. It was an ordeal to remove the fuel tank, but changing out the pump was quite easy.

Reply #8 dave (68.107.126.29) - Tue Feb 17 14:39:24 2009

I replace the transmission on my grand caracan 98 6 cyl 3.8L and now stares but it does not fire and i do not have monay to send to the shop is been like tha for more than three months,

Reply #9 dan mac (71.169.131.103) - Thu Mar 26 07:57:38 2009

hi my name is dan

i hooked up jumper cables to my 2007 caravan backwards then i turned my key on i now have nothing when i turn the key i take that back have all lights work wont turn over makes a click noise on the sellanoid relay i checked all fuses and looked for fusable link could not find one at that point i changed the computer with macthing numbers still does not turn over i found a ips 20amp fuse no power to it untill i shut the key off it it flash power then off also when i turn the key on the gauges will spike and then go to normall ignition swicth? can anybody help me

Reply #10 margo (24.208.156.144) - Sat Mar 28 20:00:17 2009

I have a 95 caravan that will turn over, but will not start... any ideas on what it could be? I already changed the distributer, the coil and the pick up coil.

Reply #11 Bill (64.136.173.16) - Sun Mar 29 11:57:50 2009

to Margo #10 I have the same problem with my 95 caravan 2.5 engine, replace same parts. Still no go, if you get any answer please forward to Bill at billz@torchlake.com thank's

Reply #12 GUs (166.82.70.35) - Sun Mar 29 16:26:00 2009

I have the same problem Van will turn over but will not fire.

It is a 3.0 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan

Reply #13 tony (74.182.16.132) - Sat May 9 03:17:29 2009

margo have you tried the crank shaft sensor if not u might want to try that it is a little monitor on the transmission and if it is broke or faulty it wont crank it will turn over but it will not turn over

Reply #14 Christine (67.193.171.242) - Mon May 11 16:57:59 2009

My Dodge Grand Caravan 2002 will click as I try to start it a few times and then all of a sudden it will start. This is getting worse, were I used to only have to try 2 or 3 times, now it's taking 12 or 13 tries....any ideas??

Reply #15 Amin (70.81.17.234) - Wed May 13 09:56:52 2009

Christine, I'm not sure what you mean by clicking. But I think youre starter might be going.

Otherwise the only other thing I believe it could be is your ignition.

Reply #16 stephanie (173.88.12.15) - Tue May 26 15:41:24 2009

my 1998 dodge grand caravan was running fine this morning, nothing out of the ordinary. stopped at a friends house for about a half hour. went to leave and the car started for about a second then died. tried starting it about 30 times and nothing. also the gauges stopped working about the third time we tried starting it. any suggestions?

Reply #17 Larry (99.254.65.10) - Mon Jun 1 15:13:45 2009

Had the same problem with 2006 grand caravan, brought into shop thinking it still under warranty. Turned out to be the battery, which I dont understand.

Reply #18 Sandra (207.200.116.131) - Mon Jun 1 19:48:54 2009

My 98 dodge grand caravan SE was overheating. Changed the cooling sensor because the fan was not going on to cool it down. Checked the fan motor and it is still good. My car started and I drove a mile away and it just shut off and will no longer start. Any suggestions on what it could be?

Reply #19 bruce salts (76.234.175.116) - Wed Jun 17 14:29:56 2009

i have a 97 dodge caravan 3.3 i have fuel pressure, cranks over swapped relays around new cam and crank sensor, new pcm, new coil pac, the van will sometimes spark once then only crank at the same time the injectors get one pulse then only cranks, i have also checked for a shorted injector and didnt find anything wrong, ignition switch works properly, not sure where else to go.

Reply #20 bruce (76.234.175.116) - Wed Jun 17 14:34:00 2009

i have a 97 dodge caravan 3.3 i have fuel pressure, cranks over swapped relays around new cam and crank sensor, new pcm, new coil pac, the van will sometimes spark once then only crank at the same time the injectors get one pulse then only cranks, i have also checked for a shorted injector and didnt find anything wrong, ignition switch works properly, not sure where else to go.

Reply #21 Kelly (72.67.197.149) - Mon Jun 22 22:46:45 2009

i have a 2000 dodge grand caravan. Turned off van. Came back and ignition won't turn. Lights work. Tried moving shifter but that won't mike either. Ignition locked up. ignition switch?

Reply #22 Granma (98.125.195.148) - Tue Jun 23 14:03:14 2009

Our van ignition stopped working. Bought a new one from dealer, needed the key redone. The locksmith said to my husband, let me see the old ignition. He took it in. The locksmith fixed the ignition for $8.00, My husband got his $100.00 back.

Reply #23 claire (72.129.43.170) - Wed Jun 24 20:57:59 2009

Was given a 98 Dodge Grand Caravan had for 2 weeks service engine light was on when I got it then a week later the light went off 4 days later all gauges stopped working even the power door locks. We replaced the fuses gauges started working.The next day the van wouldn"t start tried jump starting it only hear a clicking noise. Could it be the battery, starter or alternator? Please help I have 6 kids and work is slow so I can't afford a mechanic

Reply #24 alex (75.84.60.16) - Fri Jul 3 00:18:46 2009

clair

when you here the clicking it means either the battery is low or your jumper wire conection is not good enough to trenasfer the power or the starter went out

1- conect the jumper and turn headlight on see if u have enogh power

if ikay with hamer slowly hit the starter and have somebody the same body start the car for u this would ingage the starter if it was sized

so either the battery is low or the starter

i belive by taping the starter it would start right up

i am very sure it would solve ur problem

Reply #25 alex (75.84.60.16) - Fri Jul 3 00:23:13 2009

kelly

most likly ignition switch

try to play with the key it should turn after few min

other wise ignition switch

or have lock smit make a new key for u maybe your key teeth is worn out

good lock

Reply #26 alex (75.84.60.16) - Fri Jul 3 00:27:05 2009

bruce

ck ur fule presure make sur it is around 55 psi

u should here the pum when you tutn ignition on for 5 second if okay check persure in the injector rail see u have presure

if not ck fulke filter maybe cloged

if u have fule presure at injector and u have injector puls and u have spark u redy to go

Reply #27 alex (75.84.60.16) - Fri Jul 3 00:30:03 2009

david when u replace the transmision the ground wire from the battry goes to engine and transmision bolt make sure you have groung

and make sure starter wire conected properly

and make sure u instal starter properlu

an ofcourse ck u did not force transmision to engim and the engine turns free when u try to rurn it with sacket or wrench

Reply #28 George (66.147.29.86) - Thu Jul 23 08:37:08 2009

I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L in perfect condition and was being used daily to go to work. It now will turn over but will not fire.

In other words, when I start up the car the engine turns but the engine doesn't fire up.

Any recommendations

Reply #29 dawn (216.164.134.57) - Sun Jul 26 21:01:01 2009

i have a 96 dodge caravan that will not start i change the starter and the brain and the fuels in the hood and under the streeing wheel and it has gas i just dont know what else it could be if anyone does please let me know i dont have money to take it to the shop so im doing it my self.

Reply #30 Rod (142.68.178.51) - Tue Aug 4 21:38:49 2009

97 caravan overheated, drove it amile home shut it off changed thermostat wouldn't start. have spark, can hear the fuel pump, injector pulse.cycled the key to get code 42 ASD relay, which seems fine(clickig)hooked scan tool up wouldn't communicate with pcm replaced the pcm now it communicates with no dtc's what am i missing?

Reply #31 Terri (97.119.35.143) - Thu Aug 6 17:37:53 2009

I have a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. About every 40 - 50 times of using it, it will not start. It will turn over each of 4 times, thinking it will start, but then nothing. No clicking, no sound. If I leave it sit for up to 24 hours, it will again start and run like a jewel until the next time.

It's very annoying to not have something reliable. I am a single mom with 3 kids, two in college. I have no money to keep taking this in to the shop.

PLEASE: Someone help! I have replaced the battery and had it put on a computer analyzing machine which did not show anything.

Reply #32 Kevin (97.116.39.56) - Fri Aug 21 08:32:59 2009

If you are having this problem you are not alone. Seems Chrysler has had this issue from early 90's to early 2000's. I can save you some money based on my experience with my 98 Caravan and talking to others. IT IS NOT the starter, the relay, the fuse, the battery or the ignition! These are what all mechanics first suspect and will want to replace. Lots of $$ later it may work for a while but the problem will come back. Pull the gauge cluster out, it seems solder joints crack and need to be repaired. Get a solder gun and touch any joint with a crack in it. This has worked for some and is common on Caravans. Unfortunately that didn't work on mine. Right now my van is sitting in my driveway and only clicks when I try and start it. Yes I have replaced all the previous mentioned items (as many have)and it still does it. This is the third time. It will sit for a day or two then start and work fine for months. If I ever figure this out I will post it. Meanwhile I hope this saves people some money.

Reply #33 Stephylarae (68.28.137.228) - Fri Aug 21 17:43:54 2009

I bought a 2001 grand caravan sport from a private seller last year, and every now and then, it would take a few times of trying to start the thing for it to finally fire and run. It doesn't cut off like some of the other poster's do, but I think the starter may have died. :( When I turn the key, I hear the beep signalign that the power is good, so the battery should be good, right? Then, I keep turning, and all I get is a CLICK. I'm thinking maybe selenoid?? I need some help- I am a chick who is trying to fix my own van, so keep this in mind if you reply..lol Thanks in advance!!!

Reply #34 jimbob (72.173.160.50) - Mon Aug 24 10:44:41 2009

hello...I have a 1994 Dodge Caravan with a 3.3 eng. I started it today, dove it about a 1/4 mile. It just stopped. Now all it will do is click, the gauge lights do come on when I turn the key. I checked the dome, headlight heater blower all of them work. I don't thing it would be the battery in this case. I would appreciate any help, my daughter needs the van to go back an forth to work

Thank you jimbob

Reply #35 shayne (70.78.21.158) - Tue Aug 25 00:51:27 2009

hello i have the same problem as Stephylarae but i have a 1999 caravan and it has not stopped starting altogether it just does one click and then nothing. i have checked the relays and fuses and replaced them and i have replaced the starter and solenoid with brand new bosch parts and still nothing but i can hook up a wire directly from the Battery+ to the starter and then ground it out and the engine starts (basically hot wiring it) but that is the only way to start it. i was wondering if maybe a bad ground somewhere? but i don't have alot of knowledge of grounding and stuff so if anyone could help me out that would be great. we just had a new baby in July and it is not easy to stay clean while hot wiring the van and then touching the baby lol. thanks for any help you guys have.

Reply #36 Mike O'Neil (173.29.79.17) - Thu Sep 3 00:03:36 2009

1997 Dodge Caravan, 3.3L engine, heads recently replaced. Sometimes there is no power to the instrument panel and the starter doesn't engage when trying to start it. Then when the key is turned off a clicking noise is heard for 5-10 sec's.

Another problem is while driving on occasion the gauges will jump erratically and the battery light comes on. Each time either of these issues has occurred they correct themselves before I can perform any tests. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on diagnostic tests I can perform. I have scanned for codes and there are no faults detected.

Reply #37 Katrina (67.140.212.69) - Sat Sep 12 16:28:53 2009

I have a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport and when i try to start it turn's but it dosn't turn over completly.I can hear the fuel Pump when i turn the key just a little so i don't know what else it could be.Any Suggestions!

Reply #38 Katrina (67.140.212.69) - Sat Sep 12 16:32:43 2009

PART 2

Aso when driving it yesterday the engine light came on then the battery light came on like 5-1seconds later, and it would barley go.like it struggled. We just replaced the spark plugs, sensor & wires a few weeks ago

Reply #39 Branden (76.112.54.24) - Fri Sep 18 15:06:37 2009

I have a 99 Caravan that will not start i can hear the fuel pump come on and the engine turns over fine but i am not getting any spark I have replaced the coil pack the cam and the crank sensor. I need some advise. Please help.

Reply #40 Sirjon951 (64.12.116.198) - Sat Sep 19 22:21:50 2009

1999 caravan will not stay running. Put the code reader in the socket and it runs perfectly. No codes. Checked all fuses, relays, and impact switch in rear. Any suggestions? When you disconnect the code reader the vehicle stops running. Code reader is Actron! Sounds like possible ground problem. Let me know.

Reply #41 moussa (75.202.249.113) - Sun Sep 27 21:27:44 2009

I have a dodge caravan 1998. It starts whenever it wants. I can park it in the evening, and when I try to start it in the morning it may or may not start. The funniest thing is that if I leave it alone, I may come back some other time just to discover that it has decided to start. I am confused because I have checked all the fuses, the battery, the relays and everything seems normal. One important detail is that when I turn the ignition key, if it turns on the lights on the dashboard, then it will start; if not, it will not start. I suspect electrical problems, but where? Could it be the ignition wires? Any idea please send suggestions to mpepouna@yahoo.com.

Thanks

Reply #42 Kim (63.252.110.202) - Fri Oct 2 17:30:10 2009

I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan. It had trouble starting so we replaced the battery and the ignititon switch. Worked great for 2 weeks, and it back to having trouble starting again. Sometime it starts right up and other times it takes 10 to 20 tries. Any clue?

Reply #43 Carlos (166.137.5.146) - Fri Oct 9 09:28:41 2009

I left work when the highway it ran fine then getting out the exit the car just die it was on the radio and air were playing but when I step on the gas it would move the I cut off and it just crack but it does not turn on all electrical work but car won't turn on what could be

Reply #44 Crysta (66.202.71.26) - Tue Oct 13 16:02:07 2009

My car will or will not start. IT decides on its own. I need it to start, everytime all the time. at my conveinence not its.

We have had this damn van in the shop so often that they designated me a spot in the lot.

I cannot afford to fix it, I cannot afford a new, and a dealer will not lease out to me because I am still in debt with the POS.

ANy thoughts please help

Reply #45 Ken (69.120.183.235) - Sun Oct 18 22:24:51 2009

OK - sounds like we are all having siilar problems - 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan - Wont start - The sysmptome are almost like a dead battery but - when a battery is dying, you normally get a clicking (ing) not just one click! I think i am correct in saying that we ae all getting one click - after trying to start it 10-20-30 times, it may tease you in there by pretending to turn over but not start - you think by turning off everything it will help;l wipers, lights, close all doors, then deep breath and turn but CLICK - again - CLICK - again - CLICK again - vroooom! WTF - the battery is OK the starter is OK the relays and fuses are fine - once it starts it can be easily restarted after you shut the car off for even an hour as if you were running errands through out towm - if anyone can shed light on this plz email me

Reply #46 Eddie (207.162.166.26) - Sat Oct 31 02:43:35 2009

I also have a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. For quite a while we have had problems with the lights and gauges on the dash board suddenly go dead, only to come back at some time later. We've also had problems with it starting only to suddenly die for three times and then not start at all. After reading about hitting the dash to get it started we found a spot just to the right of the steering wheel which will usually enable it to start.

Unfortunately it is getting worse. Even hitting the dash the other day didn't help. After it sit for about two hours it started find. Yesterday I took the instrumental panel cluster out and found that by wriggling the socket on the back of the cluster I recreated the lost of power to the instrument panel, but this didn't affect the starting of the van.

After puting everything back, the interior lights and the power door locks will not work unless the key is turned on and the radio won't work at all. I don't understand what has caused this to change. Everything I unpluged, I plugged back up.

Any suggestions as to what is going on?

Eddie (10-30-09)

Reply #47 jim smith (208.82.225.11) - Sun Nov 1 19:06:30 2009

I cant believe it pounding on the dash on the right side is the cure. thanks for the miracle. you saved me alot of agravation and money.

Reply #48 Earl (173.171.94.183) - Sun Nov 1 21:31:45 2009

Our 1999 Grand Caravan will go for months with no problem, then go back to its no start tricks. Nothing when you turn the key. If I jump it, it starts right up. It died on my wife a couple days ago. Several hours later I went to jump it, but it started on its own. Have replaced too many batteries on this car. Seems like something is draining the battery. If we pump the bike, leave the door open etc, it significantly reduces the battery power. I am looking for answers. Thanks.

Reply #49 Earl (173.171.94.183) - Mon Nov 2 15:38:05 2009

OK...banging on the dash worked. Still need to get to the root cause, though.

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