93 Caravan has started acting funny while trying to start it. Sometimes it will start right away other times when you turn the key all you get is a clicking sound from under the hood. When you turn the key back and forth to the off and start position sometimes it will just click and then with no warning it will start. Sometimes it takes two tries other times it can take 10 or more. Almost seems like a stuck relay. Eventually the van will start but it can take awhile. Any ideas of what to look for would be appreciated.

 

The starter solenoid is probably the culprit.Some places sell just the solenoid and others only sell the whole starter unit.Kinda' profitable selling a whole starter when only the solenoid is bad.

 

Start by removing and cleaning the battery terminals and all the ground wires. The negative battery terminal on these old vans are a known problem. Once you eliminate poor battery connections, you can focus your efforts on relays and solenoid.

 

Good day, you EXACT problem is the contacts in the solenoid. You cannot replace the whole solenoid like on a GM. But rest assured, you can fix this problem EASY with only a few tools and some mechanical aptitude.

You need to remove the starter. disconnect neg post. remove power wire from starter (13mm), remove small wire (some are clips some have a little nut), 15mm wrench to remove starter to transmission bolts. remove starter. remove a cover which has 3 small bolts, inside you will see 2 copper contacts and a round pluger. you'll need to replace the L shaped contacts. pretty easy. Not all parts stores carry these parts. Toyota dealers do since they use the same Nipendenso brand starter. total cost of repair is under $20. I teach highschool kids how to do this repair.

 

I hope you've resolved your issue. tell us! about my 93 caravan we had similar problem in the starting engine - check the "relevators" or "relayer" , we replaced 2 og them and no problems with strange or false startings and check the other parts they suggested!