Starting System: Other Dodge Caravan IV

STARTER SOLENOID

1. Verify battery condition. Battery must be in good condition with a full charge before performing any starter tests. Refer to «DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING»(ref-248889-S13166259612007022700000) .
2. Perform Starter Solenoid test BEFORE performing the starter relay test.
3. Perform a visual inspection of the starter/starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or faulty wiring.
4. Locate and remove the starter relay from the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC label for relay identification and location.
5. Connect a remote starter switch or a jumper wire between the remote battery positive post and terminal 87 of the starter relay connector. If engine cranks, starter/starter solenoid is good. Go to the «RELAY TEST»(ref-248917-S19014552772007022700000) . If engine does not crank or solenoid chatters, check wiring and connectors from starter relay to starter solenoid and from the battery positive terminal to starter post for loose or corroded connections. Particularly at starter terminals. Repeat test. If engine still fails to crank properly, trouble is within starter or starter mounted solenoid, and replace starter. Inspect the ring gear teeth.

STARTER RELAY

SAFETY SWITCHES

For diagnostics of the Transmission Range Sensor, refer to 40TE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE for more information.

If equipped with Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch. refer to appropriate manual transmission information.

IGNITION SWITCH

After testing starter solenoid and relay, test ignition switch and wiring. Refer to IGNITION CONTROL or appropriate SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article for more information. Check all wiring for opens or shorts, and all connectors for being loose or corroded.

BATTERY

For battery diagnosis and testing, refer to BATTERY SYSTEM for procedures.

STARTER

Engine should be up to operating temperature. Extremely heavy oil or tight engine will increase starter amperage draw.

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. Release hood latch and open hood. (Scheme 23)
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Disconnect solenoid wire connector from terminal. (Scheme 24)
4. Remove nut holding B+ wire to terminal.
5. Disconnect solenoid and B+ wires from starter terminals.
6. Remove the lower bolt.
7. Remove the upper bolt and ground wire. (Scheme 25)
8. Remove starter.

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

1. Release hood latch and open hood.
2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
3. Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
4. Remove nut holding B+ terminal to starter solenoid. (Scheme 26) 1 - SOLENOID CONNECTOR 2 - B+ CONNECTOR
5. Disconnect solenoid connector from starter.
6. Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bellhousing. (Scheme 27) 1 - STARTER 2 - STARTER BOLTS 3 - TRANSAXLE 4 - ENGINE MOUNT
7. Remove starter from bellhousing. (Scheme 28) 1 - BELL HOUSING PLATE 2 - FLYWHEEL 3 - ENGINE MOUNT 4 - STARTER 5 - SPACER
8. Separate starter spacer from transaxle bellhousing.

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise vehicle and support.
3. Remove the lower engine splash shield.
4. Remove the electrical connectors from the starter. (Scheme 29)
5. Remove the starter mounting bolts. (Scheme 30) 1 - Starter 2 - Mounting Bolts
6. Remove the starter.