Please help! Converted 2000 Caravan wont start..
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Joined: Dec 2012
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Please help! Converted 2000 Caravan wont start..
I hope someone can help me. About 3 years ago I finally had saved up enough money to buy a handicap van so I could transport my disabled son. The 2000 Caravan is VMI Converted with power ramp and kneeling system. About a year ago I would go to start it and everything would go on but when I turn the key nothing would happen, then about 10 to 15 minutes later it would start right up. I have had the starter replaced, battery, relay switch replaced but once in awhile it still would not start. Today though it did it again and has not started all day. I am at a loss. No one can figure out what it is. I am thinking maybe it could be the conversion part but I cant find any where that anyone who has a VMI conversion has had the same problem. I would be grateful for any suggestions.
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Joined: Dec 2012
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Wild guess
Sounds like a dual battery system.
Primary battery discharges when parked, secondary battery does not discharge because somehow it is disconnected when the vehicle is off.
Something is discharging the primary battery (a switch on, a short), but when the vehicle is off the secondary battery is disconnected somehow.
Once the vehicle sits long enough for the primary battery to discharge, switching it on connects the secondary battery enabling it to begin transferring charge to the primary battery? After 15 minutes the vehicle is startable, but perhaps sluggishly, and not repeatedly?
If driven long enough, perhaps all batteries will charge depending on the magnitude of the (short / undesired load) problem with the main battery.
Hummmm. Try charging the main battery, and popping the ground terminal loose until it is time to start it again?
Just guessing.
Erbid
On here for my first time. I will be looking for help choosing a minivan. I want it for work/life and need it "cheap". I can wait for a bargain, but need to speak "caravan" well enough to get what I want. Engines / transmissions / options / trouble spots to know about.
Primary battery discharges when parked, secondary battery does not discharge because somehow it is disconnected when the vehicle is off.
Something is discharging the primary battery (a switch on, a short), but when the vehicle is off the secondary battery is disconnected somehow.
Once the vehicle sits long enough for the primary battery to discharge, switching it on connects the secondary battery enabling it to begin transferring charge to the primary battery? After 15 minutes the vehicle is startable, but perhaps sluggishly, and not repeatedly?
If driven long enough, perhaps all batteries will charge depending on the magnitude of the (short / undesired load) problem with the main battery.
Hummmm. Try charging the main battery, and popping the ground terminal loose until it is time to start it again?
Just guessing.
Erbid
On here for my first time. I will be looking for help choosing a minivan. I want it for work/life and need it "cheap". I can wait for a bargain, but need to speak "caravan" well enough to get what I want. Engines / transmissions / options / trouble spots to know about.
