Help!! I'm new to the forum and need help.. we have been experiencing an intermittant problem with our 98 Dodge Grand caravan LE. What is does is this:

when we try to start the car first thing in the day it will sound like it is catching and started.. but it then immediately stops/stalls. Try to start it again it sounds like it started but stalls.. do this a couple of times and then it won't even crank.
usually after sitting for a while anywhere from a couple hours to a day it will start right up and run great for a while.. weeks to months.. then does it again.

We had it into the dealership but they couldn't find anything wrong. Just recently it did it again, but this time it would not start period.. brought it to a repair shop and they determined that the factory installed alarm system was causing problems. They didn't want to mess with that. So I had it towed to the Dodge dealership and told them what the other mechanic told me. they had it for a couple of days and just called telling me that the PCM (power train control module) needs to be replaced.. they said it is not providing ground to somenting.. can't remember now what they said. But it is going to cost something like $600.00 to replace.

does anyone have any clues, ideas, solutions to my problem.. any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

Let em change it , they probably know better than an independent what is going on. If it still acts up make them fix it free, a 600.00 repair should be guaranteed. Also have them remove that junk aftermarket alarm, they only cause problems, it doesn't stop anybody from stealing it-so easy to bypass.

 

I think the problem is in the starter. Take it to a auto electric specialist and describe the problem. If that is the problem, they can repair the starter for half the cost of a new one.

 

I am having the identical problem as drowe03 with my 98 Grand Caravan LE (3.8L). I was wondering whether any of the experts on this board have come up with the sure-fire solution. Looking at the various posts, I see mentions of bad PCM (power control module), a possible issue with the alarm system, or something about a recall related to the clockspring, whatever that is.

To me, it doesn't sound like any fuel problem because the car is just dead. Lights work but it acts like you are trying to start it in drive...absolutely nothing, not even a click.

Just a side note is that for the last year or so I've had a bugger of a time unlocking the doors...what happens is I unlock the door with the key and as soon as I let off pressure on the key in the door, it auto locks again. I have to turn the key and keep pressure on it while I open the door. It still auto locks but the door is open by then. One thing though I have to always push the unlock toggle on the door then or sometimes the alarm will go off. Really weird. Wonder if this is all related somehow???

Mick

 

IT MAY BE YOUR KEY OR A BAD IGNITION SWITCH.I WAS REBUILDING MOTOR IN MY 97 3.3.LOST KEYS & WAS USING SPARE SET.LIGHTS,RADIO.HORN,ETC. WORKED BUT WOULD NOT TURN OVER.DROVE ME CRAZY FOR 3 DAYS,THOUGHT I HAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG PUTTING EVERYTHING BACK TOGETHER.FOUND MY KEYS-STARTED RIGHT UP.

 

If it will cough along for a few strokes after you release the key, try spark plug wires and rotor cap. First try rinsing the wires & cap with WD40 and look for improvement.
If it won't crank, could be the battery or batt terminals.

 

DonnieB, your key story stretches my belief. As long as the lock cylinder turned, I can't imagine what difference it would make which key was used.

 

Did you ever find out exactly what your problem with your alarm was? I had the same problem I've had my van to the "five star dodge dealership" 4 times and it's still doing the same thing. I've replaced the arm/disarm switches in the doors, the BCM, gotten new keys & replaced the ignition relay. It seems fine when I pick it up and within a week it's messed up again, this time it has been sitting for almost a week and won't start again...I've spent over $1000 and am still having the same issue.

 

We should start a special forum for just this problem. I too am having this problem. I am suspecting the EGR valve. Each time this event happens (not starting and no odometer or trans possition indicator lights) I have tried to pull the EGR valve and test the power to that circuit. As soon as I turn the key to test the circuit it works. It is very frusterating since the problem is very erratic and chooses to manefest at the most unopertune times. Another thing we have found is that if we don't try to start it after the first fail and wait awhile, the problem seems to reset it's self much faster.

 

I am experiencing the exact same problems right now. Please let me know how this is ultimately fixed.[sm=americanasmiley.gif]