2002 Dodge Caravan Car wont start all the basics checked.

Tiny
CKAYSER
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
We recently changed the break pads in our van ourselves and my husband got air in the break line to day. -7 out he bled the lines and got the break working properly. Started the car, which has never been and issue and took it around the block everything was working great. Brought it into the drive and turned it off. Came inside to get me to take for a test drive. Car will not start. When we put the same key in all the gauge needles went to the upper most position and then down to the bottom and the car will not start. We hear clicking. Lights, radio wipes all work. Battery disconnected then reconnected, everythign has been looked at. Has been put in both park and nutrual for a try and nothing. The dash lights come on and the engine light flashes about 10 times then turns off. The gauges did the weird thing again and still all we have is clicking.
Any ideas?
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 AT 5:18 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
Hi, after doing the brakes it started ok, but it was a few starts later that these problems occurred? Is that right? Which pads and line where replaced, also do your headlights dim at all when you turn the key to start position? Do you have a factory installed security system?
I am sorry that an embarrassing situation like this has happened, it has happened to everyone, don't feel too bad, if you have any test light and tell me the answer to those questions I can try to help you, ok?
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 AT 7:11 PM
Tiny
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Yeah it was started a few times after the breaks were bled. Yes the lights dim a bit when you try to start it. Everything comes on as normal but you just hear a bunch of clicks or pops instead of it turning over. Husband just said the lights actually flash as it is clicking when you try and turn it on.

We replaced the front pads last week, but we got a lot of snow and we were unable to bled the breaks we had some air in the line after we replaced the pad. We did not drive the car except to rotate it in the drive way until this weekend, its never had a problem starting even in this cold weather. The car was run and then had a 20 minute break until we tried to start it again and failed. (Battery should be fine.)
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
CH112063
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As long as your seeing the headlights dimming somewhat as you turn the key all the way, the clicking is most likely the starter motor switching relay or the small relay located on the starter motor it self, have your husband open the engine compartment to see if he can locate the noise that is clicking and popping, I don't believe his work had much to do with this. Try jumping it, and if possible tap the starter motor. The black ground at the battery, or even the cables may be causing too much resistance, I hope you can get it started with a jump. It also would be a good idea to test every fuse in the van, especially in the power center it has a black lid, now its an intelligent power centeer, but it has fuses, these are the only items I can think of that may be causing this, maybe just having the pedal pumped with a door open may have killed the battery somewhat and the terminal isn't making a good connection, if you need anything more, just ask, or you can e-mail me also. OK? Its all inertia, once a part like the van gets touched, a chain of events starts, please relax, and secure another ride, you'll get it. The starter system or starter may have frozen, hitting it or moving its control relays may help but try jumpin it first.
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for your help. Its -10 below right now so too cold to try it until tomorrow.
Its plugged in and the battery is on a charger for the night.
Fingers crossed it will start in the morning.
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Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
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You stay warm for now, that kind of temp. Freezes everything, no problem, bye for now.
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Monday, January 4th, 2010 AT 12:08 AM

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