1997 Dodge Caravan

When does it make the noise? When the ignition switch is on? When you're trying to crank the engine?

If it makes one loud clunk when holding the ignition switch in the "crank" position, but the engine doesn't turn, suspect worn contacts in the starter solenoid. Most people just replace the entire starter motor, but the contacts can be replaced for $20.00. This usually starts as an intermittent problem, and gets worse over a period of many weeks.

One word of warning. To service the starter motor, you must remove the negative battery cable. That will cause the heater / AC computer to lose its memory and it will have to be reprogrammed. That procedure can be very frustrating and time-consuming, and will not work if the air conditioning system doesn't work.

Caradiodoc

Start by checking the oil level. If there's a leak, the rattling will begin in the top of the engine when it's low on oil. If you continue running it long enough like that, you will do serious engine damage.

Have a mechanic listen to it to see if something else is causing the noise if the oil level is ok.

Caradiodoc