Hi everyone, got a problem with a 97 Grand Caravan with the 3.3L. Just before we got it there was a rebuilt tranny installed (not sure of the year or source). And I picked up a Haynes manual recently as well.

I tried a Search but didn't come up with anything that would really help me.

It's been hard to start for a few weeks (it's the gf's vehicle not mine). She was able to get it to go by messing with the shifter and the steering wheel. Sometimes using the valet key worked when the black key wouldn't.

We got the last start out of it sunday when we pulled it up onto ramps to try and see what was going on (yes, we got lucky!). At the time we were thinking Neutral Safety Switch. When we would try to start it all we would got is a "Click".

Well, I cleaned the PRNDL connection (I think) which was nasty but didn't really help. Adjusted the shift linkage, zip. Was going to replace what we thought was the Neutral Safety switch when I remembered an old trick. I hit the starter with the butt of a maglite and what do you know, it started. Shut it off and tried it again, click. Rolled under the van and hit the starter with the maglite again and vroom.

Right now I'm guessing that we have to replace the starter but I'd like to be sure before we spend that kind of money. Or might the starter just be jammed in the flywheel?

Also, Haynes doesn't really say, is it 2 long bolts and 1 short one (up and kind of behind) for the starter?

Well, I'm off to bed soon so thanks for the help,
Steelheart

 

I'm willing to bet there are 2 bolts on the starter.
Seeing as you said hitting the starter with a mag-light helps, I would also be willing to bet its the starter.
Let us know the results.

 

Yeap it was the starter. Even managed to get a salvage yard one for $25 vs cheapest parts store at $90 + core charge.

FYI, the two long bolts that I was mentioning are to attach the solenoid to the actual starter. The bolts that hold the starter on go in from the tranny side, not from the engine side. The bottom bolt was bottom access but the top bolt we got from the top. You will need to remove the air box to get to this one.

And my gf did most of the actual work (her choice). All I did was talk her through it and deal with the top bolt. We then did an oil change since it was due, once again she did most of it. All I had to do was break free the drain plug and the oil filter as they were seriously tight. I had to use a 1/2" breaker bar on the drain plug, yes, the previous oil change was done at a local quick lube place. I know most of them are adequate but every so often....

Thanks for the confirmation of what was needed and I hope this helps someone else out as well.

Steelheart

 

Wow. Thats suprizing.

 

Had a quick thought last night. If someonelse is going to check their starter via hitting it, you should make sure you're hitting the actual starter motor not the solinoid. Using the maglight was easier for me as I could thread the butt close to the motor and give it a good tap.

Steelheart

 

u can get the contacts for the starter and change them your self in short order and the contacts cost like $2.00 each with them the starter is as good as new .......i know mine is and the rebuilder i used for the parts said they always go on these starters
T