Dodge Caravan The Dodge Caravan is the best selling mini van from Dodge. How many Dodge Caravan owners here at DodgeForum.com would agree? Discuss it now!

Van Will Not Start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 12-30-2012, 10:09 PM
codye1974's Avatar
codye1974
codye1974 is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Van Will Not Start

It will not turn over. No clicking no lights. Any suggestions?

It had been running fine until 4 hrs ago.
 
  #2  
Old 12-30-2012, 11:42 PM
Cougar41's Avatar
Cougar41
Cougar41 is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Model year?
 
  #3  
Old 12-31-2012, 07:35 AM
grswat's Avatar
grswat
grswat is offline
Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Sounds like dead battery or broken connection.
 
  #4  
Old 12-31-2012, 09:14 AM
codye1974's Avatar
codye1974
codye1974 is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

2007, Dodge Caravan 60K. Installed a new battery about a month ago.
 
  #5  
Old 12-31-2012, 09:33 AM
SafetyDaveG's Avatar
SafetyDaveG
SafetyDaveG is offline
Amateur
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Tried to jump it?
 
  #6  
Old 12-31-2012, 09:52 AM
codye1974's Avatar
codye1974
codye1974 is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Tow service was finally able to get it started, but everytime he gave it gas, all the gauges and lights would flicker.
 
  #7  
Old 12-31-2012, 01:27 PM
Cougar41's Avatar
Cougar41
Cougar41 is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

With a multimeter connected to the battery posts you should see 12+ volts with the engine off. With the engine running you should see somewhere around 14 volts. That proves the battery and alternator are ok. The best test for a battery is a load test. Most parts stores will do them free. Make sure the battery and alternator connections are clean and tight. Take a close look at the battery cable end clamps and make sure the cable is crimped securely in the end clamp.
 
  #8  
Old 01-01-2013, 01:05 AM
codye1974's Avatar
codye1974
codye1974 is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I was told by the dealer service center the problem was too much DI electric grease was applied to the connections of the battery causing it to short.
The battery has been this way installed new for 1 month.

I have never heard of that. Could that be true??
 
  #9  
Old 01-01-2013, 01:22 AM
Cougar41's Avatar
Cougar41
Cougar41 is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Dielectric grease is non conductive meaning electricity won't flow through it. In theory at least, excessive grease applied to battery posts before connecting the battery cable clamps could stop current flow creating an open circuit. A "short circuit" means conductivity took place. The only place a battery can short circuit external to the battery is between the posts. Dielectric grease can't make that happen.
 



Quick Reply: Van Will Not Start



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:52 AM.