will crank one time and try to start, afterwards it refuses to crank at all?

1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
165,980 MILES • 3.3L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
WOODJJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
flex fuel.
One crank no start

• Jumpering the starter relay will crank the engine; relay tests fine but also swapped with front blower relay(that works) anyway. When key is on and starter forced to crank, there is good spark at plugs.
• Changed fuel filter and new fuel pump; fuel rail has correct fuel pressure.
• Verified engine compression on all 6 cylinders
• Have a new pcm programmed to vin number.
• Verified battery has 12.6 volts and passed load test. No corrosion found
• PCM has only 2 plugs (pins 1-40) & (pins 41-80)

• vehicle will crank one time and try to start; afterward it refuses to crank at all; lights bright, fuel pump primes, relays click, but no crank. Can swap PCM to original and have the same results. Usually have to wait an hour for something to clear in either PCM while disconnected and then install, resulting in ONE crank and then nothing.

I've run out of things to test.
Jul 21, 2023 at 12:12 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
It seems like you've covered a lot of potential causes

Ignition Switch:

Neutral Safety Switch (NSS):

Security System:

Wiring and Grounds:

Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) and Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP):

PCM Grounds and Power Supply:

Anti-Theft System Reset:
Jul 22, 2023 at 8:53 AM
Avatar
WOODJJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Will single start in either park or neutral. Never had a chip on keys, security is in the PCM, if any. No corrosion found anywhere. Would like to find a schematic of pins for the PCM for further testing. Will test and verify CMP and CKP; will also perform a voltage drop test and post my results.
Jul 22, 2023 at 9:50 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
Sure, here are the PCM wiring diagrams and a guide to help you with the testing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
Jul 23, 2023 at 7:07 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
Did you find anything? Did the problem get fixed? If so what was it?
Apr 19, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Avatar
WOODJJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Issue has still not been fixed. Was so frustrated with this that I have parked it to the side for past 3 months gathering dust. Now that the weather is getting nice, I will be working on it some more.
Apr 21, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
Let me know so we can continue.
Apr 21, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.