96 dodge caravan,runs smooth sometimes and won't even crank at others?

Question

today I drove it to take kids to school,it ran fine.Parked it for 30 minutes,tried to start and it kinda acted like it wasn't getting any gas (the tank is 3/4 full)Any suggestions/advice? This is the 3rd day in a row.Thanks!

the code is fan relay,recently put in a brand new radiator,brakes,both o2 sensors,cam sensor.When the engine is at warm & you try to give it gas,it makes shotgun sounds (forget the proper term for that noise)and cuts off after a few seconds.

Answer 1

Try pulling the codes first. There are sensors that tell your motor to spark, inect fuel etc. Maybe one of those is out. Chryslers are the easiest ones to pull codes on. If you can turn the key you can do it.

Answer 2

First try turning the key to the accessories on only possition 3 times in a row but without starting the van. At the third time, leave key in the on possition (you should see dash lights come on) and the check engine light will flash a series of codes. Example: you want the engine light to flash in 2 series of 5 blinks ( this is code 55)- this means everything is running perfectly. However if it flashes anything else be prepaired in advance to copy those numbers down. Besides possibly having a bad sending unit, you may very well have a failing fuel pump. But if anything the above proceedure should answer your question about what is going on. Hope I helped you. Jeremy

Answer 3

It might help to know what engine is in it too, but they way your saying it won't start, may be a clogged fuel filter. Or if a certain motor, like the 3.0L v-6, it could be the cap and rotor. Had a 98 model, and the rotor under that cap was cracked, and causing it to run very badly. Good luck.

Answer 4

Your question seems to indicate it won't crank, but your comments seem to indicate it will, but won't start. If this is the third day, I'd suggest when it does start you take it to your mechanic, and say "When I run this, then park it for a half hour, it won't start."

They will look at it, figure out what the problem and fix is, and call you to tell you what it needs and the cost.

Here you will get "Check your oil" and "it might be your battery" answers that will do you no good at all.

Answer 5

if you suspect a fuel problem, but a fuel pressure tester, screw it onto the test port on the fuel rail, and turn the key to on to pressurize the fuel system. it should be around 40psi.

if you have a problem, could be a bad pump, or just a clogged filter that's eventually going to kill your pump.

for ignition problems, use your vehicles codes. you need the new OBD-2 sensor for a 96 vehicle. you can borrow the one from the parts store, but i like having my own.

Answer 6

you say in your question title that it doesnt crank

but in your question you make it sound like it cranks but wont start


which is it ??

if it wont start but canks then it wil be a fuel delivery issue most likely, have the fuel pressure tested, it probably has a worn out fuel pump, also have the fuel filter changed

good luck