Cranks but wont start

EFREN79

MEMBER
2000 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Hi all,

My Van wont start.
First off I am disabled, I can't do it my self.
I have friends & family that are mechanics but not certified :)

When they turn the key to start it, it doesn't crank up. All lights turn on but cant crank. We think it cough ground.

This is how it started off. First, my fans weren't turning on. So my frind started to check the sensors, switches, fuses & relays.

When he removed the fuse & relay panel (on the side of the battery). He heard a circuit. He didn't disconnect the battery :( That's why (he thinks) it cough ground.

They tried everything possible. From checking every relay, fuse, sensors and switches. He replaced the ignition switch, battery, even the fuse & relay panel (my cousin has the same van, we swap it).

When they try and start it directly from the starter. It does crank BUT wont crank up.

Here is some question you guys might have.

1. No, I don't have an alarm
2. No security light comes out
3. Yes, they tried the neutral switch
4. Yes, they tried cleaning the battery terminals.

P.S.
Found what the problem was with the fans. Its the radiator cooling fan relay. I had replaced it before but never ground it. That's why the fans stopped working. They can't test it know because my van wont start :(

Thanks in advance.

6 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Efren79,

The starter relay receives its power from the ignition switch via Fuse # 10 (10 A) in junction box to energise it. The grounding of the relay coil is via the PCM starter relay control, to energise the relay.

Symptoms indicate the PCM is not grounding the circuit to energise the starter relay or power from the relay is not being transmitted to the starter solenoid.

If you have not tried substituting the PCM, you should give it a try. At least you can plug the PCM to your cousin's vehicle to test if it starts up. Check the PCM grounds first.

To test the starter circuit, try the following.

Unplug the starter relay and test terminal # 30 for battery voltage. If voltage is available, use a jumper to briefly bridge # 30 and # 87. If the starter cranks, this circuit is good.

Check terminal # 86 for battery voltage when ignition switch is turned to START. If battery voltage is available, bridge the test lamp across terminal # 86 and # 87 and turn ignition switch to START. If test lamp turns on, replace the starter relay and retest.

If test lamp does not turn on, use ohmmeter to test terminal # 87 for ground to body. If no continuity id found, try substituting the PCM.

Can I ask if the security light is flashing if so this guide may help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

if not check this guide out

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down these guides and report back.