98 Plymouth Voyager won't turn over

[sj28henry]

98 Plymouth Voyager won't start. The van clicks one time when the ignition is turned but won't turn over. The battery has juice and all the gauges come on. Tried to jump it off to see if it was the battery but still nothing. Could it be the starter or something else? Please help!!

[RIP]

Tap on the starter as you turn the key. If it starts it's likely the solenoid contacts in the starter need replacing or you need a new starter. Do the same with the starter relay. Make sure the battery and starter connections are clean and tight.

[sj28henry]

Tried that today. Tapped the starter, still nothing. The starter relay started clicking when the ignition is turned so I replaced it. Still nothing. Leaning toward the starter being bad so I'll replace it tomorrow and hope that works.

[RIP]

Before you go for the starter check for 12vdc at the starter. One connection should have a constant 12vdc, the other only when you turn the key to start. Best to use a multimeter but, a test light will do. Autozone will test your starter for free. Batteries too.

[sj28henry]

I replaced the starter on Sunday. It worked fine for a while. Went to get in it Monday evening, and the same problem happened. Clicking the starter relay but nothing happening. Could it be the solenoid and if so where is it located?

[RIP]

When you changed the starter you changed the solenoid. It's in the starter. Are you getting a full 12vdc at the starter when you turn the key?

If you jump start the van and it doesn't start then either, normally you can say the battery is in good shape. In your case, you may want to have it tested just to eliminate it. A load test is the best indicator of the condition of the battery. Autozone will do free testing though I'm not sure if it's a load test.

As I said before check for 12vdc at the small connection (solenoid) at the starter. Should see it only when the key is in "start". Also check for 12vdc at the large connection at the starter. This is the main power connection from the battery direct to the starter. Should see 12vdc at all times.

There's more info here than you'll ever need but, much applies. Click on the battery and starter headings on the left especially "starter circuit" and "battery test". Advance the pages at top center: http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14273/

[sj28henry]

I found the problem and feel really stupid. It was the starter relay. I misread the diagram for it and changed the wrong relay. I hate these damned Chrysler vans!!!

[sj28henry]

Ok...so I'm not as stupid as I thought I was. The van run fine for a few days and then my wife went to go somewhere yesterday and the same thing happened. I haven't had a chance to work on it because of work. I think I got a bad starter but I'm going to start with checking the 12v on it first. Really starting to hate these damned chryslers.

[mikeyj]

i had the same problem in my town and country...hit the dash a few times and it should start...they have a short in the dash..does your miles show up on dash? does your gas gauge read e? if so thats the problem