Daughter's van - Will not Start. Out of work and I'm attempting to help her get it going. The Dad.

1. Removed the Starter. Tested and it works fine.

2. Using in-line test light, checked 12V at the small plug-in module on starter, when activating ignition to start position. NO VOLTAGE READING ON LARGE LUG OF STARTER when activating key switch to start position. All you get is a "click" with nothing happening. Shouldn't there be 12V showing up at that lug?

3. Service Advisor at local Dodge dealer said it could be the Ignition Switch or possibly the Power Control Module (PCM). However there is no Check Engine Light coming on. I'd assume the PCM should be tied into the on-board Diagnostics System.

4. Curious if the Battery Lead to the starter might be "shorting to ground" somewhere in it's path to the starter. (??)

5. Auto Zone (tested the starter) also stated there's a 5-pin ignition switch that ties into the keyed ignition switch, located "somewhere" within the steering column. He offered that he very rarely has sold one of these switches.

I'm at a loss to know where to look next, outside of having it towed to Dodge to do a $100 diagnostics job on it. Any thoughts of where I might concentrate some troubleshooting on the starter system of this Van would be sincerely appreciated. The Van has 175K miles on it. Thanks to all.

Ed V

 

Is it not turning over, or it turns over but will not start?

 

i also have problems that sound wierd but here go's on 02 gran caravan on cold mornings under 65 degrees van will crank over but not start also with entry remote will not lock/unlock but as day warms over 65 it all works Please advise

 

The starter is not engaging the flywheel, therefore it isn't turning over. Only get a loud "Click" when you engage the key to the Start Position - nothing happens. Thanks.

 

the juice is going to the solenoid to kick out the starter gear but the starters not getting juice to turn it
find out why that Big lug isnt hot and you'll have solved your problem

 

Here is a wiring diagram for the starter, maybe the fuse link blew. I can't say I've ever seen it, never had an issue with the main power feed to the starter.