2005 Dodge Caravan Ingintion / Starter Problems

Paul wrote:

My van doesn't seem to hold a charge on the battery. It tests fine, but every couple of days the car wont start unless jumped. then it will run fine again. Very frustrated. My toyota will sit for weeks and start right up.

I would consider replacing the battery if it is more than about 4 years old regardless of whether it "tests" good or not due to the fact that automotive batteries rarely last more than 4 years or so.

Having said that, I would think that you may have a "parasitic" (i.e. excessive, abnormal) current draw problem that is draining your battery. I had the same problem with our van and was, with luck, able to trace the problem down to the optional "power outlet" circuits (see your owner's manual for more info) by removing the "12V OUT IGN OR BAT" fuse (located in the "IPM FUSE AND RELAY CENTER" block under the hood). Removing this fuse reduced the parasitic current draw down to a normal level (I, unfortunately, haven't yet had time to trace down the actual problem in the circuit or circuits).

Other Caravan owners have traced their parasitic draw problems down to glove box or other interior lighting that stays on when it shouldn't, bad door lock solenoids or switches, Hazard lamp relays, etc.

Modern vehicles with their various on board computer control systems and other electrical/electronic devices will, unfortunately, drain their batteries (while sitting) much quicker than some older and or less "feature packed" vehicles. A case in point is the fact that my old 1985 GMC S15 truck can sit for months on end and still start.

Lou wrote:

Good Evening
I am experiencing on a intermitten basis that my 2005 Dodge Caravan won't start.
I already took it to my local dealer and they weren't able to identify the problem.
To date, this problem still exists and I was wondering if any of you have had the same problem and if you found out the cause of it.
Please share.

i had a similar problem.. mine occured while i was driving.. finally took it to the dealer where i found out it was my EGR VALVE had gone bad, which is a known issue for this yr & model vehicle... be prepared to have numerous more problems...my power windows, power door locks have stopped working & now i think i could be having major transmission issues...good luck..

I have had two more mechanics look at my van and they both think that the intermittent starting problem is caused by the computer. they also said that they found a lot of problem with the computers on Dodge vans, it seems that the seal on the computer leaks and water gets inside. I ordered a new computer and it should be in either today or tomorrow, so I'll let you know.

Jeff wrote:

<quoted text>
I just went through hell figuring my intermitant starting issue on my 2002 dodge grand caravan. New battery, Nope, New starter...Nope. Then I starting thinking about the fuse/relay box under the hood and guess what...there is a relay that sends power to activate the Solonoid in the starter. I also noticed that many of the relays are identical so I swaped the starter relay with the blower relay..No more intermittant starting problems. I'll have to replace the bad relay unless I want my blower to act up intermittantly!

I did the same thing when I started having this problem and it did work for a while, but eventually my van just wouldn't start at all, I am waiting for a new computer.

I just received the computer for my van, we installed it and the van started right up.

I have a 2006 dodge caravan stx i just shut off while on the freeway the oil light cane on ans it jsut stop also the check engine comes on and i took it in to check the light there are on problems i just want to know what to do before i have an accident bocause of this problem

Shanel wrote:

I have a 2006 dodge caravan stx i just shut off while on the freeway the oil light cane on ans it jsut stop also the check engine comes on and i took it in to check the light there are on problems i just want to know what to do before i have an accident bocause of this problem

There should have been a "trouble code" stored in the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system that could help resolve the problem. However, not all problems will produce a trouble code...

This could be an "oil pressure sensor" problem. As I understand it the oil pressure sensor on your van is designed to protect your engine from major mechanical damage. The signal from the sensor lets you know that the oil pressure is at the appropriate level. When this pressure drops, however, your vehicle computer shuts off power to the fuel pump to protect the engine by "turning it off". In other words, a "bad" or malfunctioning "oil pressure sensor" could be shutting your engine off. I would stongly recommend that you first make sure that you don't have an oil, oil level, oil leak, or oil pump problem. The next step would be to check the electrical wire connections at the "oil pressure senor switch" (located just above the oil filter on most 3.3 Liter V6 engines). Finally, consider replacing the "oil pressure sensor" itself (which, btw, in not a very expensive job).

Otherwise, I would perform a fuel pump pressure test. Your vehicle may also be ready for a major tune-up including spark plugs, plug wires, fuel filter and air filter. Major tune ups are generally required at between 60 and 90 thousand miles depending on your driving conditions.