01 Dodge Caravan won't start

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan with 80000 on van 60000 on motor. 3 days ago the service engine soon light came on. Went to autozone and the code showed egr valve flow problem. I was told that I should try to clean it before I replaced the valve. We did that last night and also found a crack in the vaccum line to the valve fixed that too. This morning (temp was around 30 outside) it started with a little grind and then ran fine for about ten min. After that the instrument cluster and all accessories just stopped for about a sec and then worked for a few sec. and then stopped again the van continued to run for maybe five more sec and then died. Now it will not start. It cranks but will not start. Also noted a clicking sound in the fuse box and if the fuel pump relay or the ASD relay is removed the noise stops. There also seems to a clicking noise coming from the throttle body area. I have read many posts about similar issues but there are so many possibilities that we are at a loss. Could it be the fuel pump or is it sensor, valve or some type of electrical issue? Could it be the original EGR valve code or is this totally unrelated? Please help!!! Our heads are getting sore from banging them on the wall.

First, welcome to AF. Second, yuck! Yes, could be any number of things but, for now I would check for any additional error codes to find the best way to go. Short of that, check for spark at the plugs and measure the fuel pressure or listen for the pump to turn on. If neither is there, the ASD system has been activated and it's probably caused by the lack of either the crankshaft or camshaft sensor data.

Not sure how starting is tied to that but, recently I've heard more and more talk about melted connectors behind the climate control panel killing the instrument cluster. Maybe it's tied there.

Well the error codes are probably out since we immediately unplugged the battery in an effort to reset the computer and now there is no power to anything so I don't think it can even read an error right now. We can hear the fuel pump when we first attempt to start it so I believe it is ok. Tried to find the green and black wires for it to no avail last night. Just to make sure it was working. So out of desparation we called my uncle (ford mechanic) and he pretty well confused us even more! I have read that the caravans will go into "limp mode" when the computer senses a serious issue and I am curious if that is the cause of no power to the interior. But the clicking at the throttle body and the fuses is really confusing. Last night we were trying to charge the battery and with the plug connected to the IAC valve (i think thats what it is) it was such a drain that the battery would not charge. Unhooked it and the battery started charging. We did change out the valve and throttle body yesterday so I think that is ruled out, but why does continue to click even after the key is turned off? Neither one of us is mechanically inclined so this maybe beyond our capabilities but I have also read on here where people have spent thousands at the dealership on similar problems never to get it fixed. Both dealerships we called seemed to be clueless. The cam sensor is the next option I think at this point and I will keep ya'll informed of progress. Hopefully it will get repaired quickly. Thanks for the input.

If you don't have one you should get a maintenance manual. $15-20 at any auto parts store or free at most libraries. Alldata.com has factory manuals you can download for a subscription fee. There are procedures to test manny of the involved components. These procedures can keep you from wasting bucks by throwing parts at it instead of testing to prove what's wrong.

The limp mode pertains to your transmission only. If the TCM detects a failure it shifts the tranny to second gear to limit the speed. It's enough to get you home only.

The electronics on these vans are very sensitive to low voltage/current from the battery. It will create some screwy indications like clicking relays etc. Recommend you have the battery load tested and clean the battery connections and the ground point on the frame from the negative battery lead.

Here's a few websites that may have some helpful info:

http://www.allpar.com/fix.html

http://www.obd-codes.com/

http://dodgeram.org/tech/gas/Trouble/Fault-42.htm

Ahh success at last! Luckily for us it was a splice in a ground wire creating a short. It took a while to locate it and required a friends help but we found it. I wish that it was this simple for all who have posted similar problems on this forum as I understand the frustration. Thank you for your help and input. Happy Holidays to all.
Chel