PJ (174.117.143.218) - Tue Aug 11 12:35:30 2009

My 1998 Grand Caravan with a 3.8 shuts off when I start. The fuel pump has been tested, the EGR valve has been replaced. This problem happens only sometimes.

Reply #1 k sanchez (98.248.186.100) - Thu Oct 29 14:35:30 2009

Mine too-starts like normal-2 or 3 sec then dies. Mine is (Ithink) the power control module-the computer that runs the engine-about 700.00 from dealer but u can find online for about 400.00 already programmed.

Reply #2 PLL455 (4.59.190.199) - Wed Nov 4 12:25:36 2009

Our '98 Town and Country 3.8L had the same kind of problem. After 3 attempts to start it, the engine would die & it would have to sit for hours before it would start and run. I realized that the built-in security system on this car was shutting the engine down. This was due to a faulty circuit board on the back of the instrument cluster. Dealers wanted $407 for the part plus a few hundred to install & "calibrate" it. I located a complete gauge cluster in a salvage yard & installed it myself. Total cost: $35.00! Problem was resolved, never to return.

*** NOTE*** These gauge clusters are different depending on the options installed in your vehicle and are identified by the color of the wiring harness connector on the back, so you have to find another one with the same color connector. Ours was all wheel drive, so I had to really dig to find a match (red connector.) A great resorce is CAR-PARTS.COM - it displays inventory of salvage yards across the country, and they often note the connector color.

By the way - before I resolved the issue, I foud that when our van wouldn't start I could bang on the dashboard 2 or 3 times just above the gauge cluster, it would then start and stay running. This really should have been a recall item as far as I am concerned.

Hope this helps.

Reply #3 PLL455 (4.59.190.199) - Wed Nov 4 12:29:10 2009

I just wanted to add - I wasn't sure this was the problem at first, but I figured that replacing the gauge cluster would cost me less than having the dealer run diagnostics at $100 per hour.

Reply #4 relieved (67.214.66.118) - Mon Nov 16 18:22:29 2009

most of the starts and then turn offs are due to instrument clusters connection at the plug on back of the inst. cluster. wires are cramped into tight backing causing improper connection. had this problem for over a year causing alot of frustration and alot of towing home. finally took of cluster and unplugged then plugged back in and it started, also gauges would be lost when this would occur, problem is now solved, and i am relieved.

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