1998 Caravan Starting Issue
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Legend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,914
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
1998 Caravan Starting Issue
My wife has a '98 Caravan and it has difficulty starting. It will turn over and act like it's not getting any fire, and just turn over and over...
If you turn the key off and give it a second it will then usually turn right over, I've found if you give it gas while trying to start sometime's it will start then act like it's flooded and stall out. I noticed a backfire through the intake today.
It's runs great (once started) and it's not throwing any code's. It has coil pack's so I'm not real sure where to start looking.
Any advice? Thanks.
If you turn the key off and give it a second it will then usually turn right over, I've found if you give it gas while trying to start sometime's it will start then act like it's flooded and stall out. I noticed a backfire through the intake today.
It's runs great (once started) and it's not throwing any code's. It has coil pack's so I'm not real sure where to start looking.
Any advice? Thanks.
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Washougal, WA
Yes test the fuel pressure first. If it's low (less than 55 psi) might want to check the fuel filter as it returns the excess fuel to the tank.
If the fuel pressure is good, I suspect the cam sensor; it controls the fuel; crank sensor controls the spark. I have replaced numerous sensors and had trouble with every aftermarket one I've put in: get the sensor from the dealer and be done with it!
If the fuel pressure is good, I suspect the cam sensor; it controls the fuel; crank sensor controls the spark. I have replaced numerous sensors and had trouble with every aftermarket one I've put in: get the sensor from the dealer and be done with it!
Thread Starter
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Legend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,914
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Ok so got some results, van was drove around town this morning and I waited in between 15-20 minutes after we got home to do the test.
Warm - key in forward position but not trying to start - 0 pressure
1st attempt (no successful start) PSI is very slow to build then it hits 50
2nd attempt - successful start, PSI start's at 20 then hit's 50.
When during the van off the pressure drops very rapidly, less then a minute to 0.
Been getting some help from the 2nd Ram section, thinking pump is going out since it's slow to build pressure, I'm wondering about the pressure regulator letting gas back into the tank.
The wifey is out with the van so I can't just go out and look but is the regulator on the rail?
Thanks.
Warm - key in forward position but not trying to start - 0 pressure
1st attempt (no successful start) PSI is very slow to build then it hits 50
2nd attempt - successful start, PSI start's at 20 then hit's 50.
When during the van off the pressure drops very rapidly, less then a minute to 0.
Been getting some help from the 2nd Ram section, thinking pump is going out since it's slow to build pressure, I'm wondering about the pressure regulator letting gas back into the tank.
The wifey is out with the van so I can't just go out and look but is the regulator on the rail?
Thanks.
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Washougal, WA
The fuel pressure regulator is in the fuel filter assembly. I'd start there before replacing the pump. If it isn't the filter you have to replace it anyway to maintain the warranty on a new fuel pump.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
Too familiar
Hi, I saw your post, and I had to add my 2 cents. I had the same problem for years, I tried everything! It made me want to sell the van.I found (on another message board) the solution for me anyway.On many of these vans-mines a 97, the solder joints on the back of the instrument cluster were bad, we re-soldered them, and Shazam! its been good ever since. Good luck!
