No start and glitchy after tune-up?

2000 DODGE CARAVAN
120,000 MILES • 3.3L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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1FATHER77
Hello. My van was leaking oil from the valve covers so I did the work myself as I have in the past in another caravan the same year. The upper intake, fuel rail and top wire harness was removed to complete the work. Also, I changed the plugs and wires while I was able. Once the job was complete, I instead the battery only to find the dash acting glitchy, the starter to only work intermittently, and the fuse and relay box under the hood would make erratic sounds from a relay intermittently. I haven't gotten it to start. The dash is actually weird. Is this a failed computer? If so, how do you think that happened? Thank you for your time!
Oct 25, 2024 at 10:43 AM
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STRAILER
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Sure, I have seen the engine harness ground get left off and cause this problem, I would locate the grounds and recheck them to make sure they are connected. Next, I would run the codes to give us a clue of what the problem might be.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Oct 25, 2024 at 5:01 PM
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1FATHER77
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No check engine light is on. The only ground that was removed is near the alternator and attached to the transmission dipstick. Both are intact.
Oct 25, 2024 at 5:06 PM
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STRAILER
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Okay, then I would recheck the gaskets for the intake, it sounds like you have a vacuum leak, you can try this guide when the engine is cold to see if you can find it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please go over this guide and get back to us.


Oct 26, 2024 at 9:28 AM
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1FATHER77
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I don't believe you are correct. Please reread the description of the problem... Glitchy electrical system. Just trying to find out if someone believes the computer shot craps.
Oct 26, 2024 at 9:30 AM
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STRAILER
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Even though the check engine light is not on it can still have codes. You said it ran fine before the repair, correct?
Oct 26, 2024 at 9:45 AM
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1FATHER77
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Yes It ran perfectly. Now... dash acting glitchy, the starter to only work intermittently, and the fuse and relay box under the hood would make erratic sounds from a relay intermittently. I haven't gotten it to start. The dash is actually weird.
Oct 27, 2024 at 4:25 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,520 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Turn the ignition system on and grab the engine wiring harness and move it all around and listen or watch for anything that changes, we are trying to see if you have shorted engine wiring harness or a loose connection. Please double check the engine grounds as well, if something is off or loose. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can tell for sure what's going on.
Oct 28, 2024 at 10:04 AM
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