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1996 Dodge Caravan Car won't Start

Tiny
THEMAN26
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
  • AUTOMATIC
Hey, what could it be if my Dodge Caravan doesn't start? It rolls but doesn't start. Could it have something to do with the Alarm System? I have replaced my PCM and nothing, I heard something about replacing the BCM but I'm not sure any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014 AT 7:31 PM

24 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Are you getting spark and fuel to the engine?
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
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  • 15 POSTS
Yes, all my sparks are working, and I can hear the fuel pump as I make contact.
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Thursday, July 3rd, 2014 AT 2:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If you are getting spark and hear the fuel pump, it has nothing to do with the security system. Next question, will the engine start for a couple seconds if you use starting fluid?
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Thursday, July 3rd, 2014 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
The engine starts for one second but then suddenly cuts off, as if it's not getting any fuel anymore. But I can clearly hear the fuel pump before I start the car, and the relay is working.

Thanks for your help, and hopefully you can figure this one out.
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Friday, July 4th, 2014 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Even if you hear the pump, it may not be providing enough pressure to run the engine. You need to start by checking fuel pump pressure. Do you need directions?
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Friday, July 4th, 2014 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
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  • 15 POSTS
Yeah, I'd need some directions.
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Saturday, July 5th, 2014 AT 11:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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It really isn't hard to do. Watch this video and let me know if you understand. If you still need further directions, let me know.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fuel-pump-pressure-and-regulator-test-video-all-cars

You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend them to you. Actually, most will charge you for the tool and then refund the money when you return it.

Let me know.
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Saturday, July 5th, 2014 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
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  • 15 POSTS
OK thanks I'll try it out. I'm gone this week, so should anything happen, I'll contact you next week.

Thnaks
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Saturday, July 5th, 2014 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Have a safe trip wherever you're going and I look for your reply next week. Don't worry. We'll figure this out when you get back.

Joe
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Sunday, July 6th, 2014 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
  • MEMBER
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Hey,

Just wanted to let you know that I had ordered a BCM before I had started this discussion, it should finally arrive Thursday. So before I get that fuel pressure tester, I will replace the BCM and will let you know if that did anything.

Thanks
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2014 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I have to be honest, I don't think the BCM is the issue, but I've been wrong before. Before installing the BCM, I would check the fuel pressure so if that is the issue, you can return the BCM. I can't imagine it was too cheap.

Let me know.
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2014 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Yeah Ill defiantly let you know if that worked or not. I believe that I will replace the part tomorrow, I can't give it back now so I might as well try it now, then if it still doesn't work, I'll give the fuel pressure thing a try. I also have a feeling it wont be the BCM, but since we had this problem before and replaced the PCM and it worked again, I thought I might give this a try. I've heard that you need to replace both the PCM and BCM to make it work so we'll see. I'll let you know by Monday.

I appreciate your help and patience as we search for a solution!

Thanks
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Thursday, July 17th, 2014 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hey, I'm glad to help. Let me know how things go for you. Although I have my doubts with the BCM, anything is possible and I hope it fixes it for you.
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Thursday, July 17th, 2014 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
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Hey, just wanted to let you know it wasn't the BCM. The car still does't run. I'm now looking at new cars. I would just like to know lets say that it is the fuel pressure, what would I have to replace? And how much would it cost approximately?
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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The pump is in the fuel tank and a little of a pain to replace. The pump should be around 150.00 dollars. I can help you through it, but I really need you to check the pump pressure before we replace any other parts. The person that told you the BCM was the problem should have to pay for it. I'm sorry, it upsets me when people guess and cost my customers money they don't need to spend.

Listen, you told me that the plugs all have spark. That leaves only a few possible issues. Since you can hear the pump run, the ECM and relay are working. That leaves us with either a bad pump (which is what I believe is the problem), a plugged fuel filter, or no power to the fuel injectors (which is unlikely), If you can, check the pump pressure and let me know what you find. At least if we get it running, you will get more out of it if you trade it on a new car.

Let me know. I'm here to help.
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Yeah, it was my mistake. I should have contacted you BEFORE ordering the BCM. I contacted the parts store, and it's currently out right now but it should be back next week. I'll take it then and see if that's the problem. I'm just going to throw a question at you first though. I'm just wondering if possibly it could have something to do with the starter kill. Because the car starts but then after a few seconds of running it chokes off as if the alarm is telling the car that its being stollen. I'm just curious because i've had problems with the alarm system before so I'm wondering if it could be linked.

Anyways,

Have a great day.
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Saturday, July 26th, 2014 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
THEMAN26
  • MEMBER
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Sorry if I wasn't clear enough:

Line 2: The Fuel Pressure Gauge is out and being used right now, but they do have it.
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Saturday, July 26th, 2014 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I understand your concern with the anti theft. However, on a 96 caravan, chances are that has nothing to do with it unless there is a light coming on indicating an issue. To be honest, I've never seen one on these vehicles.
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Saturday, July 26th, 2014 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
THEMAN26
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
What kind of a light would have to come on? When I try to start the car a message lights up that says: "Alarm Set".

I'm wondering if that has anything to do with it. Anyways, hopefully the fuel gauge will come in this week so I can test that.
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Sunday, July 27th, 2014 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, I didn't know that light was on. Tell me, have you tried disconnecting the battery to see if it will reset?
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Sunday, July 27th, 2014 AT 4:10 PM

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