1997 Dodge Caravan Will not start when it's cold

MICHAEL HUBBARD

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I bought the caravan last Feb. And I live in the desert. I haven't had any problems with this van since I got it. It's been an outstanding vehicle, till this month. It started acting up by not wanting to start on cold mornings. As soon as the day warmed up it would start right up as usual. I could go to work for 9 hrs, come out and it will start fine. If I wait overnight it will not start in the morning. When I was desperate I could remove the airbox and spray starting fluid into the intake, quickly replace airbox and with a little work I could start it. Then it would start fine all day. Now it won't start at all no matter what I do. I've checked all vacuum lines and elec. Connections they seem fine.I'm at my wits end. Oh and now were in the middle of a severe winter storm. (About 40 deg. All day) any Ideas of the problem?

5 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

Test your fuel pressure at the fuel rail. You should have about 40 psi. Next is to check your engine coolant temperature sensor and also your manifold absolute pressure sensor.

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Thursday, December 25th, 2008 AT 6:50 PM

MICHAEL HUBBARD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

There is plenty of pressure at the fuel rail. The coolant sensor was just replaced recently and the MAP sensor seems to be o.K. I don't have a code reader but when I did the check-engine diagnostic it said the "cam position sensor was bad " Code 54" So I replaced cam position sensor. Now the OBD reads clear, (no problems. But it still won't start. I cycle the ignition key 3 times before attempting to start it, and it almost starts, but doesn't. Could the "crankshaft position sensor be bad as well? I have a "Haynes Repair Manual and it states that the cam position sensor and the crank position sensor are the only two sensors that could prevent the caravan from starting. Should I replace the crank position sensor also?

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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 AT 2:25 AM

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

While it is quite possible that the crank sensor is giving you the trouble, I am not convince that it is. The reason I say that is that I have seen a vehicle that will start with starting fluid in the morning, continue to start for the whole day, and won't start the next day until the driver sprays some starting fluid. It was finally diagnosed for low fuel pressure. Before you replace the crank sensor (for what? 20 - 30 bucks), can you make sure the ASD (Automatic Shut Down) relay is working? It is located inside the Power Distribution Center.

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Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 AT 9:04 PM

MICHAEL HUBBARD

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3 POSTS

Yes I did think about the ASD relay, so I switched with the fuel pump relay which has the same number on it as the ASD relay.I am assuming they are the same relays. Still won't start. Could it be that the PCM is bad due to a faulty battery charger being used on it while its been broken down. Is there any way to check the PCM?

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Thursday, January 8th, 2009 AT 8:37 PM

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

The only way that the faulty charger may have damaged the PCM is that the battery is being charged inside the vehicle, with the battery terminals still attached. That was not how you did it, right?

The only way I know to check the PCM is by using Chrysler DRB-II scan tool.

Before you replace the crank sensor, test it for voltage. Your Haynes manual should tell you under Chapetr 6: Emission.

You may also want to check the EGR valve. Not on a Chrysler, but I had a Nissan and a VW didn't start due to EGR valve.