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About Roland Finston
Expertise
I take questions about domestic Chrysler-product front wheel drive cars and minivans for the years 1982-2000 based upon my experience and shop manuals. I don't have detailed information (e.g. manuals) nor expertise for Jeeps, trucks, SUV's, import vehicles, or for years more recent than 2000. I am available to take a question between 8AM CST and 9PM CST . If I am shown as "maxed out" try again later in the day as I add question opportunities one at a time so as to respond quickly, but I do have other responsibilities as well so may not be available for several hours at times. Try at 7PM CST as I will always be available for one question then. There are answers to hundreds of Chrysler questions at your finger tips: click on "view past answers", one of which may be to your question as well; or put a few key words in the "search for" box, above.

Experience
I have been a do-it-yourself auto hobbyist for 5 decades, and most recently have been concentrating on the various Chrysler Corporation domestic front wheel drive cars and vans. I have shop manuals and wiring diagrams for many models for the years '83-'00, as well as rear wheel drive cars for the early 80's. I enjoy analyzing problems that other Chrysler enthusiasts are having and sharing my information. Organizations belong to Group co-moderator of the Yahoo autos group The Chrysler LeBaron Club

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Auto Repair > Chrysler Repair > 1998 Dodge Caravan no start

Topic: Chrysler Repair

Expert: Roland Finston
Date: 5/3/2008
Subject: 1998 Dodge Caravan no start

Question
This vehicle will not start at all now, but previously it was an intermittant condition. Sometimes the lights will flash and the horn will beep (as in anti-theft). Maybe an anti-theft problem or the ECM: where is the anti-theft module located and is there a way to test the ECM?

Answer
Hi Larry,
The ECM has a memory that stores fault codes that will tell you if something is wrong with the ECM or many other parts. It may be possible to get a readout with the ignition key: "On-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less. Then watch the odometer window see if any 4-digit code numbers appear in place of the mileage reading; or watch the check engine light to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat to get an accurate count. Combine the numbers in pairs in the order of appearance to form 2-digit fault codes. Then go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a code listing. If neither of those responses happen then a fault code reader will have to be plugged in to a socket under the dash next to the steering column.
I suspect that one of the two engine position sensors (cam or crankshaft) is faulty as they usually begin to fail intermittently and then permanently. So if you can't get a readout those would be the first parts to buy and install. You have to put the sensor in so that the paper spacer on the tip touches the metal surface inside the engine, then tighten the retaining bolt to maintain that position.
Let me know which engine you have for specifics.
The anti-theft module is part of a larger unit called the body computer and can't be disconnected practically. The best way to avoid it is to only secure the doors by means of the hand-operated push-buttons when you leave it. Never use the power locks, door key, or remote to lock it.
Roland

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