2000 Dodge Caravan Engine no longer starts

MARK CHAMBERS

MEMBER
2000 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
148,000 MILES

Hello,

Engine started and fine idle for about five minuntes to warm engine. Then put column gear shift lever into "R" but the gear position box around the "P" did not move to the "R" position. This PRNDL on the dash is electronic. The vehicle did back-up, but stalled and the engine died after about two feet. I re-started the engine and it stalled with-in 2-3 seconds. I did this about four more times and the engine died each time. Then the engine would not start and hasn't started in two days. I noticed during the re-start that the odometer and PRNDL did not re-light on the instirment panel. They still won't come on when the ignition switch is turned on. HELP!

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi:
Has the check engine light come on? Also, have you checked to see if there is spark and fuel to the engine?

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 AT 2:48 PM

MARK CHAMBERS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hello Joe,
Thanks for the follow-up question about the engine check light and the spark and fuel to the engine.

The engine check light has not come on and the engine will not turn over to be able to check for a spark or fuel to the engine.

Also, what about the question of the odometer and the PRNDL lights not coming on when the ignition switch is turned on?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks anain,

Mark

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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 AT 2:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Mark, I'm wondering if there is a ground problem causing all of the problems. Also, there is a body control module (BCM) that can be the problem, but you need test equipment to check that. You say the car won't crank at this point. Is that because of a dead battery? Does it make any noise when you turn the key to start? Also, if the battery is good, make sure the ground to the engine block is clean and tight and the battery terminals are too. Also, look for body ground straps that may be damaged.

Let me know.
Joe

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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 AT 2:48 PM

MARK CHAMBERS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hello Joe,

Thanks for the info so far. The battery (about 6 months old) voltage is good (13.4v) and the grounds are also good. When I turn the the key to the start position, it sounds like the starter relay is clicking (starter won't turn over). I tested the starter motor according to my service manual and it did turn over. I am starting to wonder if the problem might be with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). What do you think?

Also, what about the question of the odometer and the PRNDL lights not coming on when the ignition switch is turned on?

Thanks again,
Mark

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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 AT 2:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Mark:
I'm not too sure about the lights. It could be a body control module causing the problems with everything. You need test equipment to test that. Did you try replacing the starter relay?