98 Dodge Caravan sometimes will not start

[felderdl]

My 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan sometimes will not start, sometimes. When this happens, the Transmission indicator lights (PRND) and other on that level do not display, but the top level lights, horn, remote control, etc works fine. After sitting for some period of time (varies from a few hours to a day) the van will start as if nothing was ever wrong. No codes, or anything. This problem occurs in all weather conditions and driving or not, just whenever.

I know other people in the area who have the same problem.

The only thing that sometimes work, is to pound on the dashboard above the lights several times. Once the Transmission indicator light (PRND) comes on, it starts fine. A friend of mine had the same problem I have, after pounding on his dash, the lights came on and his Van started without a problem.

Does anyone know what is causing this problem?

Thanks,

[trustme]

This seems to be quite a trend with these vans. I just bought a 94 3.0 for what I thought was a good deal but now I see why it was so. Right now it sits at home because it wouldn't start this morning. It turns over perfectly but no ignition. This makes the 4th time it's acted up but the first time it wouldn't start after sitting for a while. Here's a few observations from past occurances; When it dies while I am driving all the guages freeze. The speedo and tack stay as they were until I shut the ignition off. If I was doing 100kph, it still reads 100k when I'm stopped at the side of the road. When it dies it's dead instantly, no ignition. Even though the fuel pump shuts off as well that's not why it dies (I've prooved it). Here's a weird one, the rear hatch button doesn't work when the ignition is on and the no start is happening. If I turn the ignition off it works normally. I haven't tried whacking the dash but I will give it a try tonight. There's no rhyme or reason to when this happens.

[neon_rt]

I've heard that it is caused by a bad connection on the electronics board of the instrument cluster. Some theorize that it prevents the BCM from initializing, that prevents the engine from starting or running. Replacing the instrument cluster has fixed the problem for some people. There are other possibilities though. You will probably get a lot of valid responses for this problem (multiple causes).

[trustme]

Tried beating the hell out of the dash last night but got nothing. Wiggled lots of wires, checked the relays (all are working), still nothing. There is no power to the coil and the fuel pump is not working. Checked for bad grounds and they all seem to be good. Could this be a computer problem? I'm sure they are not cheap but are they easy to change?

[luminaapv3]

I had the same exact problem only I got stuck quite a few miles from home with 4 kids & wife with me!!! Anyways, try hitting the stupid thing right under the steering wheel column (right under the directional switch). If this doesn't work try this, or for that matter if this does work also do the following: Take the column cover off the column and look for a loose connection. That was my problem. If I remember correctly it was the connection on top. For some reason it came loose. Just be carefull of airbag wires!

[Big Dan58]

you may have a problem with the wiring harness inside the steering colum. Check out the leads from the ignition switch.