1997 Dodge Caravan Dies After Start

1997 DODGE CARAVAN
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JURYIEL
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  • 3 POSTS
Hello,

I have a 97 Caravan with 110k miles on it. I don't drive often, but last week it worked fine without any warning light indicators. I parked it last week and tried to use it this week and there is a sudden problem. The car engine will try to start for a few seconds, then dies. After this, the oil pressure light comes on. The car has oil in it, so i'm not sure what the problem is. I also read if you drive your car with that light on it can cause engine damage. I haven't driven it, but I did try to start it up a bunch of times, could this have caused additional damage? Please let me know, and also if possible what do you think it would cost to fix whatever problem it has? Thanks.
Mar 28, 2007 at 5:31 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
with the key on and the engine not running it's normal for the oil light to be on. As for the starting problem...you need to test for spark and gas. If both are present you need to check compression!
Mar 31, 2007 at 3:13 PM
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JURYIEL
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Is it normal for only THAT light to be on though and no others? Not even the dashboard came on. Only the warning lights lit up, and then turned off, and then the oil light came back on, but the other lights (like for example things that show if it's in park or in drive etc) did not light up. The radio did turn on and work though as did windows and locks.

Actually the problem seems to have fixed itself. I just tried to turn it on the next day and it worked. I did this about 7 times and it came on right away each time. I drove it around a bit and nothing seemed to be wrong. But I'm afraid that maybe what happened could lead to a bigger problem later.
Mar 31, 2007 at 3:23 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
The lights will light up only if you turn them on...with the key on and the engine not running you should see abs, air bags, seat belts, oil and battery!
Mar 31, 2007 at 3:27 PM
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JURYIEL
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Yes initially, but then they all turn off, and the oil light comes back on all by itself. That's what was happening.
Mar 31, 2007 at 3:30 PM

Suggested Repair

If the stall or no-start returns, test for spark and fuel; if both are present, check compression. An oil-pressure light with the key on and the engine not running is normal. Do not drive if that light stays on while the engine is running.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Dodge Caravan with about 110,000 miles reported that the engine cranked briefly and then died, after which the oil-pressure light came on. The vehicle had oil, and the owner was concerned about damage from repeated start attempts and about repair cost. The expert said the oil light is normal with the key on and the engine off, and advised testing spark and fuel, then compression if both are present. The owner later said it started normally the next day and drove without an apparent problem, but remained concerned it could return. The expert also explained that several warning lights should illuminate with the key on and the engine not running.

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