96 caravan won't start

[JefferyW]

I have a 96 Dodge Caravan. When I parked it, it ran fine. Now it won't start. It has a code 42 which I know is the Auto Shutdown Relay circuit open or shorted. How can I fix this?

[RIP]

Check either 20 or 25 amp fuse #12 and 20 amp fuse #13 in the PDC (fuse panel next to battery). You can change the ASD and/or fuel pump relay, both in the PDC. Might be able to swap them with another relay on the same panel if the part#s match. Beyond that, if you have and can use a multimeter, let me know.

[JefferyW]

Thank you for your reply. I did check all of the fuses both under hood and dash and all are fine. #s 12 and 13 fuses are ABS system and Stop Lamps. Even if both were blown, the car should still run. I'm more frustrated with this vehicle than ever.

[RIP]

Frustrated. That makes two of us. I've got two schematics saying it's fuses #12 and 13, yet both your van and mine saying the schematics are a bunch a hooy. Hmmm.

I did discover you should have three identicle part number relays; the ASD, fuel pump, and EATX relays all next to each other. You may want to try swapping the ASD relay with the EATX relay and see what happens. If there's no change try swapping the original EATX relay with the fuel pump relay.

[JefferyW]

I did try this already. There is No EATX relay but I switched the Fuel pump with the ASD but with no difference.

[rhandwor]

Look at junction block left side of IP fuse 3 and PTC 1 9 amp. Look at splice near heated oxygen sensor breakout. ES12 engine harness.

[JefferyW]

Sorry, but I don't understand what any of that means?

[rhandwor]

Look for two fuses on the left side of the instrument panel. In the wiring harness they have a splice where a few wires are tied together. If one was disconnected the vehicle won't start.

[JefferyW]

do you mean the dash panel inside the van? And do I look under the dash, take the dash panel out and look behind that or ????

[rhandwor]

I would look under the dash along the kick panel.