I have a 2002 Caravan 3.3 that occasionally won't start...and when I say "won't start", I just get a "click", and nothing else. All lights work still. Then after a few tries with the key, it'll be fine and start as it should. This happens once and a while, and will go away for weeks or months. 90+% of the time it works every time haha. Battery cables are on tight and don't look sketchy.

Any ideas?

I've heard everything from the PCM, to crank pos. sensor from my friends. Anyone have any other guesses that aren't outlandish? Thank you in advance for your help

 

p.s: I was throwing some EVAP large leak codes in recent times (442, 455, 456), but doubt this has anything to do with the issue.

 

No. EVAP has zero to do with it nor does a crankshaft position sensor. PCM? Could be but the fact you're hearing a click eliminates the usual fail mode.

I could give you a long explanation of how the system works but I'd bet you're looking for the down and dirty fix. Worn starter solenoid contacts especially if the original starter is still installed. You have the typical symptoms. You can change the starter or just the contacts in the starter for half the cost if you DIY it. Could be other things but the contacts would be #1 on my list. A quick free move would be to swap the starter relay with another like relay in the IPM. Another would be to make sure your battery connections are clean and tight.

Thank you for stating "anyone have any other guesses". A guess is all anyone can pass on from a forum, educated or otherwise.

 

thank you kindly for the reply. Because I'm cash-strapped, I want to start with the cheapest/easiest fixes first :P

I found a bad ground that goes from the bracket the alternator/pullies etc to the pass-side motor mount. It looks bad....I'll snap a pic of it. Wonder if it could be the issue??

Spoke to 3 dealers in the area, guess what...3 different answers. One "yes, absolutely that would cause your problem", one "no, the start is ground by what it's bolted to, so what wouldn't cause it. The harness into your fuse panel is likely bad", and one "I'm not sure, but every ground strap is important, or it wouldn't be there".

 

Yup, you'll probably get multiple answers on a forum too. #1 and #2 could be wrong or right. #3 Well at least he's honest and right. Got a multimeter? You can determine if that ground is good or not in a few seconds.

 

Video on repairing the terminals. Jump to about the 3 minute mark to get to the relative information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvNmkO1j12w

 

^ I love how my van is identical!! lol

thanks for the vid

 

I'd be focusing on the starter as well.

 

Did you fix it?

 

I scored a new starter cheap...so I'm going that route. It hasn't done it since, but I have a starter waiting when it starts to act up.

Fun fact: randomly read that the guy in that youtube vid^ is a convicted sex offender (Dave Rock). I used to enjoy his vids, but then I read what he did and about the recent charges. I kinda hate that we drive the same van now. Hopefully his dies on him lol