Van will crank ... no spark - 2004 3.3 Caravan
#1
05-01-2013, 02:02 PM
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Boone, NC
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Van will crank ... no spark - 2004 3.3 Caravan
All your thoughts are appreciated.
2004 Grand Grand Caravan SE, 3.3L, just over 100K
It drove fine last time it was parked earlier that day. We loaded the whole family in the van and it would not fire. It turned over strong, but would not even sputter. No check engine lights or other indicators.
What I have done:
- checked all the fuses
- pulled and visually looked over relays (of course there was nothing to see)
- pulled two spark plugs
-- checked to see if I could get a spark from the plug - NO
-- checked to see if the connector would spark against the top of the plug - No
-- checked to see if the connector would spark against the block or bolts - No
Observations:
- The spark plug did not seem wet when I pulled the plug. I thought this was suspicious.
- When cranking the engine with a plug out (while checking spark), the air exiting through the spark plug hole did not smell like gas (that I can remember)
- Unrelated (I think), had to replace both headlamps one or two days before.
- The were no strange symptoms before it went out (like running rough, misfiring, bad gas mileage).
Called the dealership, they want to bring it in to hook up to their computer. I hate to pay hundreds to have it towed and then put in a 30 dollar part I could have done myself.
Any suggestions about what to look at next?
- Am I not checking the spark right? (checked it the way I used to on small engines)
- Some relay to replace?
- Crankshaft position sensor?
- Ignition coil?
- Fuel pump?
2004 Grand Grand Caravan SE, 3.3L, just over 100K
It drove fine last time it was parked earlier that day. We loaded the whole family in the van and it would not fire. It turned over strong, but would not even sputter. No check engine lights or other indicators.
What I have done:
- checked all the fuses
- pulled and visually looked over relays (of course there was nothing to see)
- pulled two spark plugs
-- checked to see if I could get a spark from the plug - NO
-- checked to see if the connector would spark against the top of the plug - No
-- checked to see if the connector would spark against the block or bolts - No
Observations:
- The spark plug did not seem wet when I pulled the plug. I thought this was suspicious.
- When cranking the engine with a plug out (while checking spark), the air exiting through the spark plug hole did not smell like gas (that I can remember)
- Unrelated (I think), had to replace both headlamps one or two days before.
- The were no strange symptoms before it went out (like running rough, misfiring, bad gas mileage).
Called the dealership, they want to bring it in to hook up to their computer. I hate to pay hundreds to have it towed and then put in a 30 dollar part I could have done myself.
Any suggestions about what to look at next?
- Am I not checking the spark right? (checked it the way I used to on small engines)
- Some relay to replace?
- Crankshaft position sensor?
- Ignition coil?
- Fuel pump?
Last edited by Tj-dakota; 05-01-2013 at 02:04 PM. Reason: Clarification
#2
05-02-2013, 08:53 AM
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Boone, NC
Posts: 22
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Finally found someone who had similar symptoms. These guys describe it as a wiring issue:
http://www.*********.com/forums/showthread.php?t=320132
That caravan was a 2005 which had an unfortunate run-in with a dear and spent time in the body shop. Mine is a 2004 which was recently rebuilt from rear-ending another car. I am afraid that it will take some hours reading the above post to figure out what exactly they did to solve the problem and weather it applies to my situation.
I have also tried switching compatible relays, no difference.
http://www.*********.com/forums/showthread.php?t=320132
That caravan was a 2005 which had an unfortunate run-in with a dear and spent time in the body shop. Mine is a 2004 which was recently rebuilt from rear-ending another car. I am afraid that it will take some hours reading the above post to figure out what exactly they did to solve the problem and weather it applies to my situation.
I have also tried switching compatible relays, no difference.
