2000 dodge grand caravan quit when pulling out at red light

3.3L • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JULIE7308
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I went to pull out at a red light turning left and my van quit running and the oil light came on. The oil level was good, we even added another qt. , fuel pump is good, put on a new coil pack and it didn't help, fuses are good, crank shaft position sensor is good, relays good, it's getting fuel but no spark to fire engine. When turning the key, it cranks but will not start. Had 3 mechanics look at it and could not find anything without having to go in and take stuff apart. What could be the possible problem? Thank you!
Sep 5, 2014 at 10:17 AM
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,397 POSTS
The oil isn't related to this problem. That light had better come on when the engine stops running because there can't be any oil pressure when the engine is stopped, and that light refers to low oil pressure.

You said a bunch of stuff is good, but you didn't say how you determined that. To simply take your word that something is okay is a sign of an incompetent mechanic. Also, what makes you think the fuel pump is working? Are you going by the fact there's fuel pressure or you hear the pump running for one second after turning on the ignition switch?

Has anyone checked the diagnostic fault codes? If so, what are they?
Sep 5, 2014 at 10:38 AM
Avatar
JULIE7308
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
They hooked 2 different computers up and checked everything and it all was getting signal and reading good. They heard the fuel pump clicking on when turning the key.
Sep 5, 2014 at 10:43 AM
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,397 POSTS
What computers? The van's Engine Computer or a scanner that plugs in under the steering column. What does "reading good" mean? There were no fault codes? When you say "getting a signal", Chrysler scanners will show the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensors' signals as "no" or "present". Is that what you're referring to?

You didn't say how the crankshaft position sensor was tested. The fuel pump is supposed to run for one second after turning on the ignition switch. A lot of people confuse that for working, when it usually doesn't turn back on when cranking the engine, like it's supposed to.

You said the ignition coil pack was replaced which implies someone found it has no spark, but you didn't actually say that. If you indeed have no spark, AND the fuel pump isn't turning on during cranking, the crankshaft position sensor is the main suspect. That's why I'm wondering how it was determined to be okay.

Do you have a voltmeter or test light? If so, we can determine if you have a fuel supply problem, a spark problem, or much more likely, a sensor problem related to both systems.
Sep 5, 2014 at 1:45 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle