1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: won't start

Filed Jul 10, 2008 · Airbags, Electrical · 80,000 miles · CA

The van will start then immediately turn off. It does this more when it is hot outside. If you let the vehicle sit for about 4 hours in the shade it will start and get you to your next destination. If the weather is too hot it won't start until the weather changes to cooler. I have replaced the starter, two computers, got the circuit board cold soldered. Replaced the battery and can't remember all the rest. It still has this problem. It seems to be very common. There is a web site topix.com that has a forum just for this problem. No one has been able to fix it completely. Some one some where has got to know how to fix this problem. Also the clock spring is under recall. Once you get the recall done after a few years the spring breaks again and they don't fix it again. So I no longer have a horn or airbags that work.

Filed Jul 5, 2002 · Body, Electrical · VA

Intermittently when left turn signal is activated windshield wipers come on. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle, however problem has reoccurred. *ak the vehicle would not start due to battery failure. The sliding door does not shut properly. Passenger door does not lock due to door lock motor failure. Drivers window makes noise due to regulator failure.

Filed May 2, 2002 · Fuel system · NC

The consumer states taking the vehicle in for the fuel leak recall(the federal safety agency id#00-v-268-000 manufacturer recall id# 895). The vehicle had a leak at the top seam of the fuel tank. The consumer states each time the tank was filled the smell of gas lingered for at least two days. The problem did not start until the recall was performed. The dealer was notified.

Filed Feb 20, 2002 · Acceleration, Engine · NH

While traveling on interstate and without prior warning, vehicle shutdown and there was no power. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak dealer replaced a bad isc motor to remedy stalling problem. Faulty cranksensor and cam sensor caused a no start condition. Vehicle shakes and runs rough, dealer replaced powertrain control module.

Filed Oct 29, 2000 · Electrical · NY

In first incident, engine suddenly stopped running while van was stopped in traffic. Immediatly tried to restart engine but engine would not crank. After this attempt ,electrical power to all other components (lights, radio/ etc.) was lost. After app. 1/2 hour without power ,engine restarted when again attempted. In second incident, while traveling app. 50 MPH,again, engine suddenly stopped running.engine would not restart (no crank) . After 15-20 minutes, engine would restart. Taken to dealer, where they could not find the cause of this problem as van was now running ok. Dealer could not explain why engine would suddenly and completely lose power.euly

Filed May 31, 2000 · Engine · MI · fire

Consumer was traveling about 70mph and heard some noise coming from the hood area. Also, smoke and flames came out of the hood area. Serpentine belt caught on fire. Vehicle was inoperable. No steering, vehicle won't start at all. Vehicle was towed to the dealership.

Filed Dec 16, 1999 · Body, Electrical · OH

I have had several problems, the automatic door locks have had to be replaced, even though in the 3 year time framed I paid for the new ones, there is a knocking sound that the mechanic couldn't find anything wrong although he could hear the sound, and now the car won't start and after several days of trying they can't figure it out. I obviously want the car fixed, but I would also like to know if other owners are experiencing these problems.

Filed Aug 28, 1998 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

While driving vehicle about 45 MPH vehicle stalled on the road, causing lack of acceleration or power. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. *ak windshield wipers come on by themselves, dealer replaced multifunction switch. Vehicle would not start up and run, dealer replaced battery. Steering wheel shakes while braking, dealer machined rotors.