'02 Grand Caravan Starting Problem

[dedhowy]

Hi everyone. I have an '02 Grand Caravan. When I try to crank it, I can here the relay clicking but the starter doesn't turn over. After a couple of attempts it cranks just fine. Run to the store and it does the same thing when I come out and try to crank it again. I checked and tightened the nuts on the stater and the alternator, and replaced the relay just to be safe. It started fine most of the day and then began giving me the same problem. Anyone have any ideas on this issue? My wife is getting fed up with the van not cranking. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[RIP]

Likely worn solenoid contacts in the starter. Sounds typical. You could try taping on the starter next time it hangs. If it starts up you just confirmed it. If you measure 12vdc with the key at start at the smaller of the two starter connections (solenoid) you've also just confirmed it. You can changed the starter (most do) or you can disassemble the starter and change just the contacts for 1/2 the price.

[mlbirk]

I've had a similar problem with my '03 Grand caravan Sport with 166m miles. I was getting an engine shudder under load and had a MAP sensor error. Before I could replace the MAP sensor, it began not starting.

I started it and let it idle while I ran to get something from the house and when I returned the engine had died. I tried to re-start it but got nothing but click from the starter relay. All lights and accessories worked fine. I checked the starter and found a crack in the housing so I replaced the starter, the battery and the MAP sensor.

I have checked all of my electrical connections and cleaned them checked my ground but as of now I cannot get the vehicle to start. Not turning over at all...just a click at the starter relay.

The only other thing I can think of is that the ECM has gone bad. Anybody with any ideas?

[RIP]

Originally Posted by mlbirk

I've had a similar problem with my '03 Grand caravan Sport with 166m miles. I was getting an engine shudder under load and had a MAP sensor error. Before I could replace the MAP sensor, it began not starting.

I started it and let it idle while I ran to get something from the house and when I returned the engine had died. I tried to re-start it but got nothing but click from the starter relay. All lights and accessories worked fine. I checked the starter and found a crack in the housing so I replaced the starter, the battery and the MAP sensor.

I have checked all of my electrical connections and cleaned them checked my ground but as of now I cannot get the vehicle to start. Not turning over at all...just a click at the starter relay.

The only other thing I can think of is that the ECM has gone bad. Anybody with any ideas?

Read your original post.

[mlbirk]

Originally Posted by RIP

Read your original post.

Thanks. I have done that am in the process of checking your suggestions. I will let you know what I find out.