1998 Dodge Caravan engine wont start

REDWOOD25

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
15,100 MILES

I have electrical power to the dash board and all systems, minus the odometer and the transmission indicators for park, reverse, drive.

Have had the starter replaced and still have the same problem, will try to turn over and stays started for 1-2 seconds then dies, then nothing after when turning on the ignition. Have had other electrical problems, alarm would go off as the car sat parked, the lower dash lights, same as identified above woud not show Park, (P) when switching gears.

Are the odometer and gear lights on a seperate fuse or relay? I hope this is enough, if not please respond and I will try to provide amplyfying data.

Thank you,

Chris

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Welcome, when the starter won't crank, check the circuits at the starter relay under the hood. The voltage for the load side of relay is hot all the time. Voltage for the coil side of relay goes hot with the key in the start position, The computer grounds the coil side of relay. I looked at some theft system wiring on your vehicle. I found no text that involved the starter circuit. I see no reason for the computer to control the ground on that relay unless it was part of the theft system?

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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 2:11 PM

REDWOOD25

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3 POSTS

Thanks for the response, will check it out and let you know what happens. Damn van is haunted by electrical issues.

Many thanks,

Chris

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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 9:40 PM

REDWOOD25

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3 POSTS

I think we tracked it down to the anti-theft system. As I said earlier the power is there except for the lower light panel for Park drive etc, and odometer.
The engine wont start I'm thinking because it thinks it is being stolen. Short some where, have several buddies trying to find out for me. No answers so far. At this point nothing else makes sense.

After sitting in my driveway for 2 days it started right up. The next time it goes dead and wont turn over I am going to use my key lock/unlock and panic to see if it will reset. Costs to much to take to dealer. My VA check wont go that far. It will be my fred flintstone car soon I am afraid. Ready to cut holes in the floor board today. I may take it over to the auto hobby shop at Sacott AFB for them to look at.

Thanks for all your help.

Chief

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Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 AT 10:54 PM

ROLANDS J ABERMANIS

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4 POSTS

My 98 caravan does the same thing.
Starts then stalls, then nothing.
Is there anything I can do on my own?
This is the second time in 3 months.
Please help,
regards, Rolands

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Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 AT 1:31 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hi Rolands, I can't be sure if security system, vtss, is causing a problem? You might have trouble codes checked, see if the codes, show anything? If the security system is acting up, the horn should honk, the lites should flash, plus the computer will time out the injector pulse. The engine won't start.

Without something to point us in the correct direction, I'd have to do basic tests, like checking for spark at the plugs, injector pulse, use a gage and check fuel pressure.