Automotive Forums

My 1996 Dodge Caravan (100,000Miles) has a starting problem.  Intermittently, on cold start, you turn the key on and there is no response.  Bring the key back to "Off" position and turn anti-clockise to start the radio, it powers the radio.  At this point, quickly turn the ignition to on, and the van starts.  This has been happening for some time.  Happens only during cold start.  I changed the battery and still the problem exists.  Now, today, I tried to start the minivan after 2 weeks and no response at all.  Even the abovementioned tactic is not working.  Even the radio is not turning on.  Completely dead.    Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Thank you  

The first problem sounds like an ignition switch located under the dash on the steering column. The key switch pushes a rod down the shaft of the steering wheel engaging the ignition switch which has wires going in and coming out. The second problem sounds like a battery drain over a 14 day period. First you should be able to jump start the vehicle and secondly have about 14volts charging across the battery terminals when running. The best way I have found to pinpoint drains is to disconnect the negative battery cable and do an amp draw test with everything turned off and the doors shut. Even disconnect the underhood light. Amp tests are conducted differently from voltage readings so be sure you know how to do this. Initial readings will start slightly high but should settle down to about .6 amps as the onboard computer settles down. If the reading stays high you can start removing fuses to pinpoint the circuit with high draw.