1991 Dodge Caravan, No Start

[Ondes]

We were driving it around one day, went to a store, and parked it. When we came back out, it just wouldn't start. All you hear when trying to start it is the fuel injector or something once. We have full power to lights and whatnot, and even tried a brand new battery.

We have 2 other caravans for parts.. Any idea what the problem is, so we can fix it real fast and get it back on the road?

[RIP]

Here's a few things to try: Check for fuel at the test port (if equipped) on the fuel rail with the key "on". Should spirt and not dribble. Listen for the fuel pump to come on a couple seconds when you turn the key to "on". Don't hear it? Smack the fuel tank a few times with a mallet. The pump may need to "wake up". Check for spark by grounding a spark plug on the valve cover and cranking the engine or connect a timing light to each plug wire and watch for a flash as you crank the engine. Pull the distributor cap off and make sure the rotor turns as you crank the engine. Doesn't move? The timing belt or chain is broken. If you can easily turn the rotor by hand the distributor shaft or pinion gear is broken.

[Ondes]

I was peaking around under the hood. There, on the driver's side to the right of the battery, is three relays in a row. the one closest to the grill i can feel click and it makes a click when the ignition is pushed forward and then released. "Click forward, nothing, release, click again" I think this is the starter relay. Could it just be that? Can I find this relay from our ther 94 caravan to replace it... and HOW do you replace it? THANKS!

[Cntrysthbst]

In mine many relays click when I turn the ignition on. Rip is steering you in the right direction, I wouldn't worry about the relays until you check everything else. If your engine doesn't turn over at all, maybe your starter or starter solenoid may be the issue. You can jump the solenoid to test it but I don't know how, doing this may tell you if it is the relay or solenoid/starter.

[Ondes]

Well for the other tests I need some more help... I'm not sure where these parts are located or how to perform the tests. However, is it even possible for it to be that relay?

[RIP]

Originally Posted by Ondes

We were driving it around one day, went to a store, and parked it. When we came back out, it just wouldn't start. All you hear when trying to start it is the fuel injector or something once. We have full power to lights and whatnot, and even tried a brand new battery.

EGADS! Looks like I misread your thread. When you turn 50 anything can happen.

You have a no crank situation and not a no start issue correct? If only your starter relay is clicking when you turn the key to start, it means half the circuit is getting energised. Here's the path: battery/ignition switch/neutral start switch/starter relay/starter solenoid/starter.

> First check the connections on the starter and make sure they are clean and tight. Next, with the key off, check for 12vdc at the starter connection with the larger diameter wire connected. Should be 12vdc there all the time. This is the primary voltage lead direct from the battery. If there's no voltage, replace the cable.
> Next, with the key turned to start, measure for 12vdc at the other starter connection. This one should have a smaller diameter wire connected. This is the wire coming from the starter relay and actuates the starter solenoid. If you don't see 12vdc, check for continuity (resistance/ohms) on this wire leading to the relay. If good and the relay socket is not corroded change the relay. If you do see 12vdc at the starter, you can either change the starter or the solenoid contacts in the starter.

Not good with a meter. Tap the starter with hammer as you turn the key. If it starts, change the starter.

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

[Ondes]

We tried tapping before what we percieved to be the starter, to no avail. I am just wondering, is it possible that the relay that clicks twice is the cause of the no start, or is just merely a symptom? This is a hard situation, we really need a car again lol!

It looks maybe like I'll have to get a relay if it's possible that's what it is and test it, or try and buy/borrow a voltmeter or something, because I have no other way of testing this electrical stuff.

Thanks for the continued help.

[RIP]

Yes, take the same relay from your parts vans. Just pull straight up. Alighn the different one and push straight into the socket. As I stated in so many words in the second post, if the relay clicks and you don't see 12 vdc at the solenoid contact on the starter, it's a good bet the relay is bad. Inspect the wire too. A new relay will cost around $15. Maybe less. http://www.autozone.com/R,APP1164461...ductDetail.htm

No meter? A test light will work and they are cheaper. Get it any parts store, Walmart, Kmart etc.

How to troubleshoot a relay: http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

Battery cables are known to fail internally. Try wiggling them as you crank it.

[Ondes]

Great advice, and that Autozone site is fantastic... I want to pull the relay from the 94 to try in the 91, but I can't find where Autozone says it to be on the 94. I might pick up a new one and just give it a shot. I'll keep everyone posted.

[RIP]

If your local dealership is worth anything, I'm sure they would tell or show you where the relay is on your 94.

[cudacrazy73]

hey guys dont wana be a thread jacker but i have an 89 caravan, was driving just died. checked the spark plug, no spark, checked the distributer cap no spark, checked the ignition coil or coil pack w/e its called no spark. bought a new coil then i checked as i was about to install the new one for power... no power going to the coil. same as the guy who started this thread i have two parts vans. far as i can tell the I.C.M (ignition controle module) is the same from 89-90 even with a diffrent tranny. is this correct? will switching this solve my problem can it be a relay? any other ideas what it can be. Again it was driving strong just up and died in mid drive. any and all help would be awesome as im 20 im going to college and i have missed work for over a week now cuz i have no ride to get there i need this fixed ASAP!!!