I hope someone can help me out. I have a 2003 Grand Caravan with an issue. This morning the wife went out to start it up so it would be worm for the kids to go to school. She was inside for maybe 5-10 minutes, when she back out and the van had died. She restarted it and it ran for about 15 seconds, she restarted again, ran for 15 seconds and died. On the third try, it would not even turn over. No starter engaging, nothing can only hear the relay in the fuse box clicking. Swapped some relays around in the fuse box and checked all the fuses, all good. Dash lights come on and everything works fine.

Can't understand why it would startup 3 times and run then die, then on the 4th time won't do a damn thing. Please help! Gotta get it fixed, trip out of town for Thanksgiving coming up. Thanks guys.

 

Any ideas?

 

Sounds like you have the programmable key system and are using a key the module doesn't recognize. Try using a different key.

 

Nope, its the same key i've always used.

 

Try another key anyway, they can be funny like that.

 

I have had an alternator/battery cause that issue before. Alternator bad and vehicle is running off of battery until the battery dies.

 

Battery and alt are less than 3 months old, tried both keys. I can jump 12volts to to pin 87 on the start relay and the van will turn over. any other ideas?

 

I am having the same exact issue RIGHT NOW! Read my thread "01 caravan computer problems?" I think its the engine computer

 

I read your thread, we are having a similar problem, but not exactly the same. My gauge cluster works perfectly, nothing weird going on with it. Something I recently learned was that you can hold down the tripometer for about 5 seconds. this will cause the cluster to do some self test, have a pin and paper because it will give you some codes. First it will give you the software version(Sof x.x) then if anything is stored it will show some codes, write these down, mine showed 100.6 and 400.1, then go through a gauge calibration procedure. If you get any codes do a search in Google, mine indicated that the bcm is having an issue. Good luck.

 

Yes! I did that same thing too. I reset the cluster too. As of now, cluster is good! Its acting normal now. I did get a code 100.3 & 100.6. Something to do with communication problems. As of now 11-21-10, my van is sitting on the driveway. I have not fixed or looked at it. It still cranks and turns but no start.

Is your check engine light on, or have you seen it flashing? Disconnect battery (to clear codes), then connect it again then crank it. See if it by any chance flashes.