What would cause my car not to infrequently not start until I try a few times by turning off the ignition and then to the start position ?

50

Asked by Owl2 Dec 09, 2017 at 12:22 AM about the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SE FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Only once did it not allow me to drive away.
After repeated attempts it usually started.  When it did not one time.  I let it sit
overnight, and the next morning it started up on the first try. Any idea what the
problem might be ?

7 Answers

103,105

..."not to infrequently not start..." Hmm I'd love to answer the question but it's going to take me some time to work out the boolean logic in your statement to determine just what is going on.

3 people found this helpful.
50

KenF -- thanks for catching my impossible grammar. Note to me: don't write at night. I meant to say: What would cause my cart to occasionally not start until I try a few times to start it by turning off the ignition and then turn the " key " to the start position ? I should mention that I have had my " key " device replaced twice at no charge through the Fiat Chrysler recall program.

1 people found this helpful.
103,105

When it fails to start, do you get a flashing anti-theft light? If light stays lit or flashes after trying to start then system is activated. Only way to disarm is with a proper RKE transmitter key programmed to the vehicle (older models could be disarmed via locking/unlocking driver door from outside). Here is an online copy of owner's manual and procedure for system; https://www.mopar.com/moparsvc/tweddle/publications?id=762 - if you're anti-theft is in fact activated, then it seems you still have a problem with factory key.

50

I have not noticed a flashing light of any sort and no sound , such as the usual clicking sound one hears when a battery needs replacing. I had a new battery installed this November at the suggestion of the mechanic who was trying to diagnose a stalling problem which was later resolved with the installation of a new EGR valve.

159,045

Not infrequently not starting means there is no problem with it.

1 people found this helpful.

I have yet to find a mechanic who can fix this issue. No one seems to know what the exact problem is. I have finally found a quick “solution” though...when you turn it on and it doesn’t start, put your foot on the brake and shift the car into Drive and then back into Park. Turn the key back to off and then on again - it should start immediately. My husband figured this out on accident and it’s been great. Before that, i might have to turn the car on and off 100’s before it would start!! Always at the worst possible time too.

30

Try your hot wire on starter dodge vans are bad for them coming loose

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Grand Caravan

Looking for a Used Grand Caravan in your area?

CarGurus has 1,954 nationwide Grand Caravan listings starting at $1,950.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Whitney C
    Reputation
    3,680
  • #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
6 Great Deals out of 115 listings starting at $4,990
Used Toyota Sienna
42 Great Deals out of 737 listings starting at $3,900
Used Chrysler Pacifica
66 Great Deals out of 1,169 listings starting at $13,999
Used Honda Odyssey
26 Great Deals out of 946 listings starting at $4,999
Used Dodge Journey
44 Great Deals out of 800 listings starting at $3,850
Used Dodge Durango
53 Great Deals out of 2,260 listings starting at $5,500
Used Kia Sedona
11 Great Deals out of 166 listings starting at $3,800
Used Ford Explorer
69 Great Deals out of 2,065 listings starting at $2,999
Used Ford F-150
323 Great Deals out of 15,226 listings starting at $3,295
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
15 Great Deals out of 822 listings starting at $5,995
Used Chevrolet Suburban
9 Great Deals out of 473 listings starting at $1,497
Used Dodge Charger
36 Great Deals out of 626 listings starting at $4,888

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.