97 Voyager, Starts then dies

[jusber15]

Today after I got out of work my 97 voyager, 3.3 started right up, then died. I noticed when I turn the key forward or after starting, my gauges or odometers arent working, but my warning lights are. It starts up perfect every time and runs about 4 seconds then just dies. starts up perfect and then repeats. If I dont turn the key all the way off before attempting to restart, then it will only run for about 1 second. I thought maybe an anti-theft so I locked and unlocked the doors with my key several times, no help. Any ideas??

[jusber15]

Called the dealership and they had me beat on my dash and now its alive. I always told my wife that kicking it or hitting it helps when something is broke! LMAO. Getting something soldered in it tomorrow.

[nxk2000]

Just had the same thing happen on a 2000. The only difference was after starting and dieing 4 times it then would not crank at all. Turned the ignition on and smacked the dash and the trip meter came on. Started and ran just fine.

[spalko004]

I have the same problem do you have the solution for it?

[RIP]

Judging by the many other threads on this same problem the common causes are bad solder joints on the back of the instrument cluster and corroded battery connections plus the ground cable attach point on the block or frame.

[pentabob]

Hi you guys,
had a 98 GC 3.3 doing the same thing, turned out to be the inst cluster connector resolder, i took some pics during the process and my wife let me put them on her site www.ingriddijkers.com - go to the "links" page - scroll down near the bottom on the right side you will see "caravan pics" hope it helps you, many of us have had the same problem.
when you inspect the solder joints they will look fine but the connections are more like solder bubbles than good joints.
i know first hand how frustrating this problem is! the dash bang will get you going though until you have time for the final fix
best of luck
keep in touch,
Bob

[spalko004]

actually bob,

I saw your links from another thread and resolder the ground pin (I think based on the pix you provide its the last pin on the second row). did it last thu 8/3 and until now my inst cluster is behaving well. thank you for sharing, I been researching since june of 2004 for the solution, even brought it to a auto electrician who just ripped me off and even ask dealership about it but no avail?

thanks again,

cons

Originally Posted by pentabob

Hi you guys,
had a 98 GC 3.3 doing the same thing, turned out to be the inst cluster connector resolder, i took some pics during the process and my wife let me put them on her site www.ingriddijkers.com - go to the "links" page - scroll down near the bottom on the right side you will see "caravan pics" hope it helps you, many of us have had the same problem.
when you inspect the solder joints they will look fine but the connections are more like solder bubbles than good joints.
i know first hand how frustrating this problem is! the dash bang will get you going though until you have time for the final fix
best of luck
keep in touch,
Bob

[spalko004]

bob,

actually, I saw your link from another thread and resolder the ground pin (I think based on the pix you provide its the last pin on the second row). did it last thu 8/3 and until now my inst cluster is behaving well. thank you for sharing, I been researching since june of 2004 for the solution, even brought it to a auto electrician who just ripped me off and even ask dealership about it but no avail?

thanks again,

cons

Originally Posted by pentabob

Hi you guys,
had a 98 GC 3.3 doing the same thing, turned out to be the inst cluster connector resolder, i took some pics during the process and my wife let me put them on her site www.ingriddijkers.com - go to the "links" page - scroll down near the bottom on the right side you will see "caravan pics" hope it helps you, many of us have had the same problem.
when you inspect the solder joints they will look fine but the connections are more like solder bubbles than good joints.
i know first hand how frustrating this problem is! the dash bang will get you going though until you have time for the final fix
best of luck
keep in touch,
Bob

[Gumpy]

I am working on a 1997 T&C van with a 3.8 having the same problem. When it won't start the instrument cluster is dead. I am removing the intrument cluster to resolder all the joints but I am wondering what would keep the vehicle from running. If you start the vehicle with out the cluster plugged in it runs with out dying (note the van was already running fine when I did this test) but I would think that when the cluster goes out if it makes the engine die, it should also die with the cluster disconnected?