98 Dodge GC Stalling problems

I hope someone can help me.. I am at my wits end and don't know what to do. I have a 98 dodge GC with 100,000 miles on it. I bought it new in 98, change the oil when I am supposed to and take care of all maint. Here is my problem. A few months ago the car started to stall. It only did it every few months. It would start and stay on for 2 or 3 sec. It would then turn off. I would turn the key on again 3 or 4 more times and it did the same thing. Finally after the 4th time, the engine would not make a sound. I wait between 15 and 45 mins. and the car starts. I have had it in the dealer 5 times. The last time it was there for almost 3 weeks. They can't reproduce the problem, therefore they can't fix it. I have had the starter and BCM replaced. I have also had the ignition switch replaced. The repairs have cost me well over $1500. The last time the dealer told me he couldnt fix it and I should trade in the broken car and buy a new one. I am a single mom and paid over $30,000 for this van. I expected it to last for more then 7 years and 100,000 miles. Somebody please help me. I am aslo writing to Dadge because when the dealer replaced the BCM that cost well over 600, it did not fix the problem. They would not take the new part out and give me back the old one and my money. I am taking them to court. Any help would be great. Even if I found someone who has the same problem.
Noelle

Perhaps by now you have already read previous postings where this is suggested. Autozone can test your car at no cost (yes! free).

They have this small device that is very simple to use and prodices a code which they then decifer for you.

It's free, painless and it works! I learned about it in this board and it work with my 98 Caravan. It was stalling too and after many "opinions" and "computer checks" and blah blah blah...it turned out to be a spark plug cable.

My experiences with the dealer aren't that great either (it took me bringing the Diagnostic Manual, go figure...)
Yet, they can connect the car to the DRB III that can read out the vehicle's computer better than an OBD-II scan tool.
If it is stalling, my guess would be something related to the spark plugs or gas supply...Since it seems to get progressively worse, physical wear, a cable, a seal...maybe ?

Personally, I have had great experiences with Pep Boys (not just with my van, they fixed a dealer caused problem !) and maybe stop by and give it a try. Describe the problem and they can do a quick check for around $50, worked for me but I am also aware that my local PB might be an exception...

A few months ago the car started to stall. It only did it every few months. It would start and stay on for 2 or 3 sec. It would then turn off. I would turn the key on again 3 or 4 more times and it did the same thing. Finally after the 4th time, the engine would not make a sound. I wait between 15 and 45 mins. and the car starts. I have had it in the dealer 5 times.
Noelle

I have a 98 Chrysler Town & Country that we just bought and found out that it has exactly the same problem that you described! Have you been able to fix the problem? What fixed it? Please share with me the mystery!!

Kenneth.

I feel your pain on the experience with the dealer. It always kills me too when they try to sell you another car when they have proven they can not fix their own vehicles. Why would you buy another Dodge from the dealer who can't fix your Dodge? You are always better off to find some local garage in your area with a diagnostic genius rather then hitting the dealer - IMHO.

AS for your current problem I certainly would not have started with the starter or the BCM. Since the thing is actually starting but then stalling why would it be the starter? As for the BCM - well maybe that dealer knows something I don't.

Does it sputter and stall or just die out like the key was turned off? If it just dies out without sputtering I'd suspect the Camshaft or Crankshaft position sensor.

I've seen intermittent stalling problems caused by sensors, but the car will usually just die and their will be no sputtering and then stall. That's key to the diagnosis. Let us know how it stalls.

Our 98 Dodge Caravan is doing exactly the same thing as yours, Noelle. Has been doing it for months. You never know when its gonna do it. We have had ours in the shop several times but because they can't recreate the problem they can't solve it. I find it very interesting that there are several people that this is happening too but no one can figure out how to fix it. We thought it might have to do with the alarm system but don't know how to fix it. Mine just did it yesterday. If you find out what is wrong with yours, would love to know.
Shan

Hi There!

I too have the same problem as all of you. I turn the van on, it sounds all great and then it seems like someone is shutting it off. Try turning it over a couple more times then I get nothing from my vehicle. I believe too that it has something to do with the alarm system. I am going to try and find someone who can help me disconnect the alarm system. I have noticed that if I set the lock using my key ring, that the alarm set device sometimes is not blinking (it should blink for 16 seconds to show that the vehicle is arming itself). I will be driving down the road and the van will now try to arm itself, turning off everything on my dash. I have also noticed that when using the key ring to lock, that sometimes the vans alarm light will not blink (it should) and if I try to open the door that only my headlights will be blinking(my horn should be blinking also).
Another thing I have noticed, is that when my vehicle is not operable, if I can get the alarm system to work correctly (blinking alarm on the dash, and sounding off the horn when I attempt a breakin) my vehicle will turn over.

I have tried disconnecting the battery too (sometimes works sometimes doesn't) Also pulled the IOD memory.

It is such a pain in the you know what! I feel everyones pain.
I own a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan SE AWD 3.8L

If you know of any other fixes let me know.