I have a 2008 Dodge Caravan that randomly won't start (about 2 times every 2 or 3 months.) It's done it twice this week though so looking into it further.

It won't turn over but all electronics come on. If I take out the battery for about an hour it works again.

Also, usually the day before it does the above it goes crazy. The wipers turn on randomly, washer fluid, horn, etc. A few times the car, with the key out, would be running still until I pulled some fuses.

Any ideas? No error codes and the dealer "thinks" it's an ignition module.

 

Or could it be the TIPM?! Help!

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-c...xt-2008-a.html

 

Did the tech duplicate the problem? If not, without seeing the problem occur in front of him and not seeing any codes all a tech can do is "think" this or that is the problem based on his experience and how you describe the problem. The ignition module is a good guess. Could it be a TIPM? Sure but, without a smoking gun to go by it's tough to say anything concrete at this point. That's the sad truth about intermittent problems.

What can you do? Try to induce or rectify the problem by tapping/shaking the ignition module and TIPM. Wiggle the units themselves and the wire harnesses leading to them. A bit easier with the TIPM. You'll have to remove steering column panels to get at the module. If you're so inclined, remove the TIPM and inspect contacts on the connectors for corrosion. Disassemble the TIPM and look for corrosion on internal circuit boards.

 

They did reproduce it but either there weren't codes or they didn't indicate the issue from what I remember.

Thanks for the reply, I'll try your suggestions and hope it's one of those.

Are there any good tutorials on replacing them online? I googled but couldn't find my specific year.

 

Nope, both TIPM and WIN module requires VIN specified programing, you need a Dealer Scanner to replace them.
If disconnecting the battery seem to fix the issue, you problem is probably the TIPM.
TIPM is in national back order for like 2 or 3 weeks last time I've checked.

 

Hey steak. Does the last post regarding TIPM reprogramming in the link thelarster posted above (post #2) make any sense? I can't picture it being that easy.

 

I'd like to know this also.

and this morning I wiggled the integrated power module and the car started right up! No idea if that was a fluke but I read on another site to try this.

 

That's the TIPM I was talking about in post #3. Your fuse box. If you can repeat it it's a pretty good bet the problem is the TIPM itself or the external connections or the wires near it.

FYI - 4th generation vans (2001-2007) use the Integrated Power Module (IPM). 5th generation vans 2008 and up use the Totally Integrated Power Module). Major differences between them. Both are the vans fuse box.

 

Mitchell and alldata say same thing. Turn key to RUN for 12 seconds. TIPM collects all the data from the CAN bus and PCM. After 12 secs, turn key to off then ON again.

 

The problem is that you need Vehicle reconfiguration. Yes, the Car will Start and run, everything wil work. But the problem is, some of the Options might not work. For Example, like Remote Start, Fog Lamps, etc... you get the point. Sometimes I have to manually program the Tire Pressure Value for the TPMS light to go off.
If you got Barebone model Caravan, you might be able to drop a TIPM in and it will work. I don't exactly know whats th Default configuration is for the TIPM, all I know is you have a high chance to loose some of your accessory options.