Expert: Roland Finston - 4/15/2008

Question
Hi,

I have been having problems with my 1999 Town and Country Limited (3.8 liter V6) over the past few months, and it has been much worse within the last few weeks.

The first problem (which may be unrelated) started about 3 months ago. While I am driving, my ABS light comes on and all of my gauges drop, and no mileage or gear lights. Sometimes the come right back up or sometimes they stay off for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Sometimes the Alarm Set light also comes on. One time this happened, the check engine light came on so I took it to my local Aamco and they said the trouble code was for the computer and to take it to a dealer. I ordered a refurbished computer and my dad installed it, which seemed to fix the problem, as I had no problems for about 1 week (before it was happening almost daily) Then the problem started happening again daily.

The second problem I am having (and the most important) is the fact that sometimes (more frequently lately) the van will not crank. It is different every time but sometimes it just clicks when I turn the key and nothing happens sometimes it starts to turn over a little but doesn't. Some times it turns over completely, runs for a few seconds and then dies. If I do it enough, usually after about 10+ tries it will eventually crank and run fine.

Any suggestions on things my dad could check/ and or do would be appreciated. He has alot of car repair knowledge but none specific to the Chrysler and after checking and changing multiple parts, nothing seems to be fixing the problem.

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Kristen,
The problem with dash lights, etc. is probably not the computer (sorry that you spent money on that) but more likely the instrument panel itself. The circuit board has a history of developing an intermittent usually at the interface between the plug socket and the circuit board proper. So my suggestion would be to remove the panel and look at all the solder joints and touch each of them with a soldering pencil to be sure that none of them are "open". You can test this 'theory' by hitting the top of the dash directly over the cluster to see if that 'blow' brings it back to life for a while.
On the starter, how old is the battery compared to its warranty and have you seen any problems with the charging light being on when driving? If the battery is good and charged, and if you get the loud click coming from under the hood, then I would suspect the starter motor or its solenoid switch. But be sure the cable clamps at the battery are clean and shiny and tight. And while the battery is disconnected check the red battery cable at the starter similarly. If all that is done and in place and you still get the loud click with no action it suggests removing the starter and getting it rebuilt.
Roland