My Dodge Grand Caravan just conked out...

[seawasp]

(note: my car knowledge is three decades out of date so I effectively don't know anything about them nowadays)

Vehicle was running fine with no problems. This morning, came out and tried to start it. Starter turns but no sound or sign of the actual engine turning over. There is fuel, though not much, but more than enough to run for some time on.

Noticed what I think is a grounding strap -- appears to be braided copper -- that's corroded through on the lefthand side, a little way above a pulley near the starter; looks like the corrosion just finished eating through. Could that be it, and if so what's the part name so I can go get one and replace it?

If that's not it, any ideas as to what it could be?

Comments

[kengr]

My car knowledge is even more out of date than yours. But a few principles still apply.

If the starter is turning, then you are getting power to *it*.

Is it turning real fast? If so, the gizmo (solenoid?) that makes it engage with the gearing to actually turn the engine is not working. Which could be that strap.

If the starter is cranking away at normal speed, but the engine isn't *trying* to fire, then the engine isn't getting a spark. You *may* be able to test that if the plug leads are accessible. Gently pulling one of them and holding it near the plug may show a spark if the ignition is working.

Since the timing depends on mechanical stuff to some extent, if the starter isn't engaging, the spark test likely won't work.

In any case, replacing that strap is likely necessary anyway. They don't put those in for kicks and grins.

You might try looking for an online service manual for your model. It'd have the part names & numbers.

[nojay.livejournal.com]

Hit it with a hammer. Seriously.

If the starter is spinning but the engine isn't turning over then the starter solenoid is probably jamming. The solenoid pushes the gear on the starter motor into the flywheel gear on the engine and then pulls it back when you release the key. The solenoid is inside a cylindrical metal lump on the side of the starter motor unit. Hitting the solenoid will often free up the jammed bit and at least get you home. It needs fixing properly but it's not a priority for some folks -- our car needs some Hammer Time every few months but it's not bad enough to warrant spending the cash for getting a new/reconditioned starter unit fitted.

[mouser.livejournal.com]

...I was going to say the solenoid was either broken or not getting power, but yea to the rest of it.

[xander-opal.livejournal.com]

Starter is going out, specifically the mechanism that pushes the starter gear into the flywheel. The key information is your statement that the starter is heard to be spinning but the engine is not turning at all. Cost of a replacement is less than $100 if a used starter can be found, $130 or so if a refubished one costs like the one in my Sunfire. An hour's labor or less, depending on the engine layout and whether anything has to be gotten out of the way. The ground cable should also be replaced at the same time if it looks as bad as you noticed, but I don't have an offhand estimate.

Hitting a motor or solenoid with a hammer is an emergency fix, and may hasten its degredation. Consider it painkillers applied while waiting for the doctor.

This infodump is brought to you by starter problems a year ago on my 2001 Sunfire and replacement of it on my own. Mechanical aptitude may vary, please consult with a good trustworthy mechanic.

[alex swavely (from livejournal.com)]

It's called a 'ground strap'. It wouldn't hurt to replace it, but it sounds like the starter solenoid is what's failed (like the others have said).

[hms42]

Any luck with the repair?