That the Dodge Caravan won’t start but has power is a not-so-common case, but it’s not unheard of either. Especially when you own older cars, you are more likely to face such problems.
Don’t worry as I used to! Because just by identifying the cause, you will find the right solution. Curious about where to learn? Right in this post, scroll down for more information!
About Dodge Caravan
Before we learn why Dodge Caravan won’t start but has power, it’s advisable to know more about their models. It saves you a relative amount when you can avoid making wrong decisions.
Years To Avoid
Over the years, the manufacturer has produced several fantastic models, but there have also been some memorable Dodge Caravans to sidestep.
Model years to avoid are as follows:
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
The Dodge Caravan is currently facing many problems:
Interior Accessory Issues
One flaw that several years of their models encounter is interior accessory problems. The 2005 model has a lot of issues with this.
Numerous items, such as doors and windows, are considered interior accessories.
The most noticeable interior accessory problems are malfunctioning power door locks, burned-out interior lights, and alarms that sound independently.
These can be inconvenient, and the expense of repairs will rise over time.
Transmission Issues
Most complaints about malfunctioning Dodge Caravan models are related to the transmission.
This issue can be a major hindrance on the road, resulting in hazardous driving conditions and large-scale repairs that can be quite expensive and take your time to complete in a day.
Additional transmission problems included:
- Transmission breakdown
- Transaxle control module problems
- After a successful forward shift, a lockup occurs.
Engine Problems
Dealing with engines can be just as expensive as dealing with transmissions.
Several of the engine issues to name are:
- Complete failure of the engine
- Check engine light comes on repeatedly when you’re driving
- It simply won’t start
- Stall frequently
Years To Purchase
You can choose from the following ones when purchasing this model:
- 2020
- 2007
- 2019
- 2010
These years of the Dodge Caravan have been demonstrated as reliable and great models.
Dodge Caravan Won’t Start But Has Power: Common Causes & How To Fix
Why does my car have power but won’t start just hums?
A few common causes are weak battery, battery corrosion, broken starter motor, weak key fob, clogged fuel filter, detective alternator, fuel pump failure, defective spark plugs, blown fuse, rodent damages, or engine failures.
For an exact answer, a thorough examination of your vehicle is required.
Weak Battery
Why won’t my car start but has power? The battery has run out of energy is a reasonable answer.
The most frequent cause of a car engine that won’t start or starts extremely slowly is a weak or dead battery.
If the starting issue is related to the battery, investigate further and test the battery voltage to track down the root.
You can process an inspection to measure the battery voltage between its 2 poles, examine the acid level, and check the condition of the starter battery.
If a new automobile battery was installed, it might haven’t yet operated to its maximum potential. Nothing to be concerned about.
A brand-new battery can only reach its full capacity through time.
How to fix
A multimeter is useful to measure the battery’s voltage precisely. Normal voltage measuring often yields readings of 12 – 13 volts.
When the voltage exceeds 14 or below 11.5 volts, it’s time to call a professional to evaluate the battery’s health, as the battery should be replaced if these values indicate a fault.
Suppose a dead battery is the cause of your Grand Caravan’s breakdown.
In that case, you can easily jumpstart it with jumper cables, a good battery from a donor vehicle or a battery booster, whichever is available.
Battery Corrosion
What would make a Dodge Caravan not start? Your car battery’s contacts might become rusted and lose contact, reducing current flow and hindering your car from starting.
You must examine your battery contacts to clarify if filthy connections cause the starting issues with your car.
How to fix
To clean the batteries, take out the pole cables first, which doesn’t require much expertise; you only need to concentrate to ensure the right order.
- The negative pole’s black cable should first be removed. If a pole clamp is too tight, use pliers to open it.
But you will not want to use metal pliers,but if you have to, be careful not to let it touch other body parts.
- Remove the positive red cable next.
- You can start cleaning the corroded battery after removing it from the circuit.
- Clean the terminals and then reconnect them.
Broke Starter Motor
A starter is a motor used to start the Caravan’s engine. How long does a starter last on a Dodge Caravan?
This part has an average lifespan of between 100,000 and 150,000 miles; if you start the engine more frequently, its longevity will be shortened.
When you start your car’s engine, the clicking sound you hear hints at a damaged starting motor.
How to fix
If it is the culprit, you can start the car by turning on the key and striking the starter motor using a stick or any hard object.
This solution works when the starter’s internal parts get jammed together, or the gears just misalign slightly.
Weak Key Fob
Why won’t my car start, but the radio and lights work? It may be due to the weak key fob.
If your Caravan includes a push-button start/stop feature, a weak key battery may prevent your car from starting.
You can still accelerate your car easily since the battery transmits the unlocking and locking signal.
Pushing a button no longer unlocks or locks the door if the key fob battery is dead. The entries must then be manually opened.
The immobilizer is controlled by a passive transponder. The transponder inside the key is inactive, so it doesn’t need a different power source.
How to fix
Try to place the key fob as closely as possible to the start/stop button if your car model only comes with a key fob with such a button and no area to input a key. Then, start the car.
In case it still doesn’t work, read the owner’s manual to find exactly where to place the key fob because no models are similar.
Clogged Fuel Filter
Why is my vehicle suddenly not starting? A clogged fuel filter is what to blame.
Your car’s fuel filter does not degrade as a mechanical component would, but it does become clogged over time by dirt and airborne debris.
Both the gasoline pressure and the filter’s permeability decrease.
How to fix
This doesn’t matter to some extent, but if this part is too filthy, the engine runs poorly, and, in rare cases, it might not even start. We can’t clean it; the only option is to change the filter.
Defective Alternator
A generator that generates electricity is called an alternator. Rarely do alternators malfunction. Modern vehicles, in particular, are supposed to perform better and last 200,000 – 300,000 miles.
But when your alternator goes wrong and is not able to generate electricity, it will prevent the battery from charging.
How to fix
If the alternator malfunctions, a new alternator must be installed.
Fuel Pump Failure
The fuel pump typically ensures that the proper fuel volume is transferred under enough pressure from the tank to the engine’s injection system.
You should check your fuel pump when your car’s engine fails too often, is hard to crank up, slightly jerks, or performs badly.
These are all typical signs that appear prior to the fuel pump completely breaking down.
This could be caused by pump wear or contamination. The gasoline pump is frequently detectable before failure if it leaks, a power contact is broken, a line is ruptured, or a pump lever is damaged.
How to fix
A damaged fuel pump can be changed in your workshop.
Defective Spark Plugs
The engine won’t crank up when the spark plugs are at fault.
How to fix
The ignition system’s plug connections might loosen, which is easy to fix by tightening it. But once a spark plug is damaged, you should change it.
Blown Fuse
Why is my 2016 Dodge Caravan clicking but won’t start? Rarely, a blown fuse may be to blame for your Caravan’s malfunction since it doesn’t allow the current supply to run engine parts.
How to fix
To ensure the engine can start, inspect each fuse in the box.
But exercise with caution if you decide to examine the fuse box yourself. Repairs and tests should always be carried out in a workshop because the box is powered.
Rodent Damages
Another potential cause of your automobile not starting even though it has power is rodent damage. The creatures scurry underneath the car and gnaw on the cables and wires.
Theoretically, this may impact all vehicle systems, including fuel, oil, and electrical supplies.
How to fix
Usually, a short glance into the engine area will reveal the rodent damage. The workshop can fix the harm a rodent bite causes.
Engine Failure
Although extremely unlikely, it is possible that it contributed to your automobile breaking down. When an automobile’s engine fails, everything stops functioning.
Timing belt tearing, improper fueling, insufficient lubrication, hydro lock, engine overheating, and persistently running at excessive speeds are a few common causes.
Besides, the ECM can affect the engine’s operation.
How to fix
This is a severe issue that only a pro mechanic can handle, so take your car to the nearest auto repair shop.
FAQs
Can I Use An OBD Scanner To Diagnose Dodge Caravan Issues?
Yes, since Dodge vehicles come with the OBD – onboard diagnosis, a diagnosis might offer preliminary clues about where the defect locates.
You should link the diagnostic equipment to your vehicle first and then start troubleshooting.
You can see the OBD-2 port below the dashboard. After you connect the wire successfully, switch the ignition to the “On” position but don’t start your car.
Most diagnostic tools will ask for some information about the vehicle. So you have to enter the required data accurately, or you’ll end up with a fault search result.
What If The Dodge Caravan Engine Crank But Doesn’t Start?
Your starter motor’s armature bushings may deteriorate over time.
And while they may crank a little when they come into contact with the starter motor’s electric field coils, it won’t be enough to start the engine.
In this instance, the starting motor has to be rebuilt or replaced. The ignition cranks but won’t start problems can also be caused by insufficient or old engine oil.
The engine oil should be checked and changed as necessary.
Is There Any Reset Button On A Dodge Caravan?
No, you have to do it manually. The best step-by-step guideline to reset the car’s computer:
- To release the hood, pull the lever under the dash.
- Find the hood latch underneath the hood’s center, then push it to the left. Open the hood fully by raising it.
- The battery is above the front wheel in the engine compartment on the driver’s side.
- Utilizing the adjustable wrench, loosen the bolt holding the negative (-) battery cable.
- From the terminal post, disconnect the (-) battery cable.
- Press firmly against the (-) battery cable end to reattach it to the battery’s negative post.
- When you can no longer move the cable on the battery post, tighten the bolt on the (-) cable.
- Close your car hood.
How To Diagnose The Dodge Caravan Starting Issues?
First, try lightly tapping the starter with a firm item a few times; be careful not to use too much force.
Since you’ll be banging the components to help them come in contact with one another, this gentle tapping can assist in helping it power back up.
Imagine your car’s automatic transmission is set to “park” but won’t start. If so, try starting the vehicle in “neutral.”
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Dodge Caravan Starting Problem?
A starter replacement typically costs between $389 and $1,100. Rebuilding parts for a starter can be expensive, starting at $50 up to $350.
You should budget between $150 to more than $1,100 for a trained mechanic to fix or replace your starter.
How Do You Start A Dodge Caravan With A Dead Key Fob?
- If you flip the key fob over, the latch may be seen at the top back.
- The silver analog key is stored inside; slide the lock to the side to access it.
- Use the key to open the car door.
- After entering, put the key on the start position.
- Put your foot on the brake and use the fob to press the start button to start the car.
- Place the analog key back inside the fob for safekeeping.
- Please swap out the battery as soon as possible.
Wrapping Up
If your Dodge Caravan won’t start but has power, it’s advisable to have a comprehensive inspection of your car.
It not only helps to identify the right problem and fix it in time but also forecast possible damage in the future.
Engine issues can significantly affect the whole car’s operation, so drive your vehicle to a service center as soon as possible.