When I open the door to my 03 Grand Caravan, dome light comes on and odometer is visible. As soon as I turn the key all goes dead. Is this a battery issue or a starter issue or an alternator issue? Thanks.

Asked by derek4089 Sep 23, 2014 at 09:15 AM about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan SE FWD

Question type: General

When I open the door to my 03 Grand Caravan, dome light comes on and odometer is visible.  As soon as I turn the key all goes dead.  There is no click, no grinding, no turn over.  Just dead.  I do hear a whirring noise under the hood for about 30 seconds every time I try to start the van.  Is this a battery issue or a starter issue or an alternator issue?  Thanks.

3 Answers

63,195

Most vehicles will display the odometer when you open the door. It's so the service department can get the mileage reading without the engine on. Have the battery connections checked for corrosion. You can get the battery charged for free at most major part stores.

20

Turn on your lights to see if the battery is dead. If so, clean the terminals, have the battery checked at any parts store or Wal Mart, and check to make sure your alternator is functioning properly. If not, get an electrical schematic and check all of the voltage inputs and outputs on your ignition switch. That will almost certainly point you in the right direction. If you don't know what I'm talking about, (or can't crawl around on the floorboard in strange and painful positions) you might want to take it to a mechanic.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Grand Caravan

Looking for a Used Grand Caravan in your area?

CarGurus has 2,041 nationwide Grand Caravan listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Whitney C
    Reputation
    3,690
  • #2
    timof5
    Reputation
    3,670
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    2,780
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chrysler Town & Country
4 Great Deals out of 119 listings starting at $6,999
Used Honda Odyssey
46 Great Deals out of 1,044 listings starting at $5,490
Used Toyota Sienna
45 Great Deals out of 871 listings starting at $3,000
Used Chrysler Pacifica
44 Great Deals out of 1,230 listings starting at $13,990
Used Dodge Caravan
4 listings
Used Ford Explorer
71 Great Deals out of 2,072 listings starting at $3,995
Used Dodge Durango
52 Great Deals out of 2,217 listings starting at $5,500
Used Ford Expedition
24 Great Deals out of 823 listings starting at $7,888
Used Kia Sedona
13 Great Deals out of 216 listings starting at $3,800
Used Ford F-150
318 Great Deals out of 13,848 listings starting at $1,712
Used Dodge RAM 1500
5 Great Deals out of 68 listings starting at $3,000
Used Honda Pilot
31 Great Deals out of 1,304 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Tacoma
47 Great Deals out of 1,068 listings starting at $9,998

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.