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1998 Dodge Caravan

Tiny
BIGDADDYRON6967
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
1998 Dodge Caravan

Can someone tell me what's wrong here: My 1998 Dodge Caravan does absolutely nothing when I turn the key. The Dash LEDS will come on; but, won't even attempt to crank to try to start. This happened again about a month ago and it corrected itself after it sat for 1 1/2 days. Any suggestions? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Sunday, October 26th, 2008 AT 2:03 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi:
It could be several things. First, look at some of the easiest problems. Remove the battery terminals, clean them, and replace them making sure they are tight. Next, make sure the grounds are clean and tigtht (follow the ground from the battery to the engine block, and to the body ground). Make sure they are clean and tight.

Let me know what you find. After you do this, if needed, we'll move on.

Joe
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Monday, October 27th, 2008 AT 10:19 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDYRON6967
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We've already tried that. Earlier this year, we had a trans put in. About a month and a half ago it quit a t a red light and wouldn't do anythging-let it sit for 2 days and it started/ran fine. 1 1/2 weeks ago, went out to start it in the morning and it won't do anything again--all LEDs and gauges work-- but nothing from key. We've checked battery, fuses relay, replaced starter and ran down wires (no signs of corrosion or problems). Any other suggestions? Thanks.
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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi:
Have you checked for power to the starter, relay?

If so, where does it seem to loose power?
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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
BIGDADDYRON6967
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It actually seems that the starter isn't getting power.
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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi Again:
Is there any way you could check the starter with a volt meter?

If so, check the small wire. When someone is turning the key to the start position, you should have 12 volts.

Let me know what you find. Also, check the starter relay. It should be in the power distribution box under the hood. Compare the relay with others in the box. If you find any that are exactly the same, switch them just to see if the helps.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
BIGDADDYRON6967
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No power to starter--relay good--tried jumping the starter. Next step we're going to try is taking the ignition apart. Any other suggestions. Just to throw this out there--could it be the trans neutral sensor?
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Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 AT 5:04 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi:
Yes, the neutral safety switch could cause this. Did you try to start the vehicle in neutral? Also, as far as the ignition switch, I believe it's at the bottom of the steering column on your vehicle. Yes, there could be a problem there. If you remove it, you will have to have it tested by a auto electric mechanic.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 AT 11:24 AM

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