2002 Caravan Se, won't start and killed while driving

[nolamom]

On Thursday, my van (2003 Dodge Caravan) wouldn't start, DH said to make sure it was all the way in park and shift out of park and shift back. I did that and it started.

On Friday, I was driving and it killed. I called AAA and by the time the tow truck driver got there about 20 mins later, it started again. The tow truck driver followed my mom home (she stayed with the van and I took her car to take DS to school) and he checked it out. Said there are no loose wires and suggested that my keys could be too heavy and I could be pulling the ignition out. Is this possible?

DH looked at it yesterday, couldn't find anything, it started right up and my check engine light that was on because of my gas cap being loosened is now off. So we have no clue where to even start to find out what the problem could be and I'm scared to drive it. Any help you can give me to point me to the right direction would be so greatful and helpful. Thanks so much!


EDIT -- Just noticed the title, should be 2003

[RIP]

Exactly what happened when you turned the key to start it on Thursday? Just a click or nothing = weak battery, loose/corroded battery or starter connection, bad neutral safety switch, ignition switch, starter relay, starter solenoid contacts. Engine rotated but didn't start running = ignition coil, PCM, fuel pump, ASD relay, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor. If on Friday it died when you were moving at speed I would suspect a crankshaft or camshaft sensor or ignition coil.

What to do. Head for the nearest Autozone and have them check for error codes using a scanner. It's free. They probably won't see any but, you need to start from a clean slate so to speak. Next time it happens remember as many details as you can.

[nolamom]

Exactly what happened when you turned the key to start it on Thursday?

I had full power (radio, AC, lights etc) but it wouldn't start. Just a click. When it died on Friday I was going about 25 mph slowing down because I was getting ready to turn. Again full power, but not starting, just a click.

DH played with the starter relay and it stop starting. Played with it again and it started. Played with it again and it hasn't started since. He doesn't want to replace that , if it's not the problem as it died while it was running.

[nolamom]

Will they me able to get a code if the check engine light isn't on?

[2002TCvan]

Originally Posted by nolamom

Will they me able to get a code if the check engine light isn't on?

My mechanic did get a code even when the check engine light was off because the computer has a memory.

Good luck looking forward to how you turn out as I have a 2002TCvan, but no serious electrical problems as of yet only an Alternator at 91,500. Oh well. Got advice to go to a junk yard, but its hard to find a good Delco in the yard.