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99 Caravan Start Issue

Hi Group,

My 99 Caravan has 88,000 miles on it. The work done to it has been mostly routine maintenance, and the usual Serpentine belt / tensioner and of course all Dodges I have bought seem to require new rear wheel cylinders (at about 35,000 miles) because of fluid seepage. All in all, this Caravan has been a good vehicle for 6 years now.

The reason for my posting is that I am starting to get a delayed start when turning the ignition key to the start position. Often all I hear is a click. If I try again, it usually starts. Sometimes it takes 3 tries. So far it has not stranded me. I realize this could be loose / dirty connections, or even my battery. Maybe this is related to the transmission (PARK) interlock. I have not ruled out those possibilities yet. I do wonder what the likelihood of the problem being the starter or starter solenoid? Are these combined or separate items? Any thoughts from you folks that know Dodges better than I?

Regards, Jim

Reply to
JC
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Jim, Assuming that your battery and connections are good, your problem is the starter solenoid contacts in the starter, replace the starter. This is a common complaint with this vehicle, I would guess you have a 3.3/3.8 engine? Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech

Reply to
maxpower

Thanks Glenn,

It turned out to be the battery cables needing cleaning and tightening. Sometimes I fear the worst before checking the simple and more likely culprits. It's good to know that the starter can cause the same symptoms.

Regards, Jim

Reply to
JC

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