Won't Start? No Start No Crank! PCM Issue with Diagnosis. Dodge Caravan Town and Country

[@kareybeardsley8546]

that was the best mechanic tutorial I have ever seen you should do more of them so thank you and great job man!!!

[@MCFIXIT]

Thanks so much! Best of luck on your project!

[@elmeromero1065]

Well explained and show all the procedures to follow

[@MCFIXIT]

Got a no start, no crank. All dash lights worked, no check engine codes, the battery was good, and the starter worked fine. Check out the video for my diagnosis and fix for a PCM issue on a 2022 Chrysler Town and Country. Tools: • PCM - carcomputerexchange.com (NOT SPONSORED BY THEM) • Flathead Screwdriver - amzn.to/3TlpYhu • Test Light - amzn.to/3QW24Hs • Multimeter - amzn.to/3o1T5qw • 10mm socket - battery - basic set: amzn.to/3fjRoBd • 13mm socket - batter nut latch - basic set: amzn.to/3fjRoBd • Ratchet - basic set: amzn.to/3xWjE5g • 6in extension to get to battery nut lack - amzn.to/3uwhLKx • Magnetic Metal Tray - amzn.to/3hdUiJZ • Cooper Wire 6in (Strip both ends) • Gloves (optional) Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:07 The Project 00:27 The Tools & Supplies 00:44 Pop Hood to Access Fuse Box (IPM) 01:12 Test Starter Relay - Switch Relays with Front Blower Relay in Fuse Box (IPM) 02:02 Starter Relay works fine 02:21 Test Relay Wires in Fuse Box (IPM) 02:38 Test Power / Battery Pin#30 03:35 Test Starter Pin #87 with Pin#30 04:22 Test Ignition Switch Pin #86 04:45 Review 05:17 Replace PCM 05:45 Removing Old PCM 07:42 Identify Part Number for New PCM 08:00 Installing New PCM 10:25 Reinstall Headlight 11:11 Final Test 11:32 Closing Hood 11:58 Tools & Supplies for this project 13:12 Closing This video should work on Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country for Generation 4 for the years of 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. It should be very similar for years before and after this. Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of MC FIX IT, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information in the video, post, blog, or social media. MC FIX IT assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. If you feel uncomfortable at any time. Stop and go to a professional. MC FIX IT recommends safe practices when working on vehicles, your house, or any other project and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of MC FIX IT, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not MC FIX IT. #mcfixit #autorepair #fix #repair #nostart #nocrank #intermittentstart #batterycable #nostart #nocrank #carrepair #dodgecaravan #chryslertownandcountry #chrysler #dodge #nostartnocrank #carstarting #caravan #wontstart #fixed #fix

[@a.m.s.1300]

I did all my test and I'm thinking it is the PCM. Great video thank you so much!

[@jeanlavoie5598]

A couple of things that dont sound right. First, after replacing the starter relay by the good AC relay, it still did not start thus eliminating the relay as the problem. Then your step 2 was checking the relay. What for....you already determine that it was not the problem by replacing it with a good relay and the problem was still there. So the relay is ok and you dont need to check that. Second, you said that hearing the starter relay click determine the problem to be the PCM. I dont know how you can ear a click from the starter relay because the wire going to the PCM is a grounding wire for the starter relay winding, so without a ground the starting relay can not be activated and that is why the starter relay doesnt work because that ground has to come from the PCM which is defective. No activation mean no sound from the relay.

[@allenchow-dc6br]

Right

[@thomasquinn5537]

Did you actually watch the video because he didn't spend any time troubleshooting the actual relay that is sitting there on top of the battery upside down he just swapped them with a known good relay meaning something else is wrong. Just because he got the same result from switching the relays doesn't mean that there isn't something wrong with the first one but he never diagnosed it what he did was go to the fuse panel and diagnose the connections between the starter solenoid The ignition switch and the PCM which gives signal the other wires that are there for power... Basically what the relay is doing is taking power from the battery and allowing the ignition switch to enable That's what sends the signal to the solenoid but the power that actually runs the starter has to go through The PCM that's how I understand it. But imagine something wrong with the computers go bad and burn up. If I'm going to replace a PCM it's better off to swap it with something that doesn't get used very much like the horn relay and then put the one that you took out that was suspect into the blower motor or the horn relay to make sure it still works correctly and I would leave it that way. He didn't do any of that so I'm not sure why you didn't follow along with what he was saying it was actually very informative. The PCM has to send a signal before the relay can start That's why when he jumped the PCM wire it worked that was how we knew the PCM was bad because we heard all of the other parts of the relay click on except the computer didn't do its part

[@thomasquinn5537]

Just because a PCM is defective doesn't mean it's not grounded or getting any power remember his dash had lights at the beginning... There are multiple computers inside of that computer take one apart and look at all the different chips on the board

[@davidbachy5627]

Fantastic job chasing down the problem!

[@MCFIXIT]

Thanks. These vehicles can have some seriously strange electrical issues. Best of luck on your repair!

[@victory2213]

Thanks Mr. McFixit. Your videos are helpful and your narration so easy to follow. I have a 2006 Town and Country and i have starter/ starting issues. Will certainly use your knowhow fix-it!😅 Thanks again!

[@MCFIXIT]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@panaphonicssorny3446]

Has this problem on a voyager, just ran a starter jumper from the fuse box to the cabin. You have to turn the keys in the ignition while press the starter jumper

[@MCFIXIT]

I'm not sure I understand what you did. Can you please restate it?

[@panaphonicssorny3446]

@@MCFIXIT used a jumper wire for the starter relay in the fuse box Then turn the ignition while you jump the starter relay

[@riuuku]

Great video. Question can a yunk yard computer work or does it has to be the original one to the vehicle

[@MCFIXIT]

It can but it will need to be programmed to your VIN. Some auto shops will do it for a small fee and others won’t. There’s a lot of places online that you can get one pre-programmed to your vehicles VIN.

[@robert48044]

sorry for the book of a comment. I went to the store a mile from my house. The van didn't want to start. It would start but when the initial rev settles back at idle she dies, if you gave it gas before it died it would cause it to die. I found the fuel injector wiring harness was melted so I thought I would tape it up and see what that did. I taped the first wire up and gave her a try, she stayed running like 20 seconds longer. So I figured I was on the right path. Taped the second one up and she ran had the same issue as before but gave a "done" code and p1684. I decided to stop with the repair and buy a new harness. After I replaced the harness and put her back together the battery seems dead now. Not a big issue from trying to start it and she just ran out of juice. If I apply jumper cables shell crank but wont spark it seems, If I don't use jumpers she wont crank. I thought it mightve been the coil pack because I spilled a bit of power steering fluid on it. The coil pack didn't fix the issue. I'm wondering if it was possible to blow the battery or PCM from fuel injection melted wires/shorting. Mightve been the battery drained but I let it charge on the cables for a bit and it didnt help. The battery was never a concern until today. 2001 Dodge Caravan 3.3ltr

[@MCFIXIT]

Do you have a multimeter to see what your voltage is at the battery? That’s the first thing I’d try. You are looking for at least 12.5 to 14 volts. If you don’t have that then your battery is either drained or dead.

[@robert48044]

@@MCFIXIT Ill be putting a new battery in in the morning and seeing what happens. I've had a battery fix issues before so I know that could do it. I don't have a multimeter. I'm just bummed after seeing the condition of that wiring harness and replacing it that I have at best a bad battery or something else to hunt down. To be fair this all could've started with a battery and I just noticed the wiring harness and happen to worsen it trying to repair it instead of replacing it. The starting then dying made me think it wasn't the battery because it was starting and then the alternator should've took over. I had no charging issues though prior to this so I didn't think it was the alternator.

[@MCFIXIT]

How’d it go? Did you get it working again?

[@robert48044]

@@MCFIXIT no.Not to sound like a part installer but after the fuel injector wiring harness, cam and crank sensor coil pack alternator and computer along with the battery all she'll do is start now but only for 20 seconds. Initially she wouldn't stay running past the initial start, died when the needle went back to idle rpms or you gave it gas (Whatever came first, idle or gas). I tried taping up the fuel injectorors wiring harness and that's when I think I screwed up the computer because the harness was beyond repair. She wouldn't even start after I replaced the harness. Swapped the computer and she'll run for about 20 seconds and die. So there's either another fried wire or something else went when the computer did. She's getting scrapped this week.

[@stephanietodd7334]

Fyi on 2000 tc some times no tach no speedometer when reconnecting the battery.3.3 pcm the pcm powers up but no guages and tachometer it will start.the fix :reconnect' the battery.PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS WHEN BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED RECONNECTED.Fyi because of video where a pcm was replaced engine ran without tachometer. I think it may be a design issue with microprocessor reset transistor.The fix may be to use a different capacitor on the reset circuit of pcm micro like from 1 microfarad to 4.7 microfarad.That way a slower reset to the pcm will allow all circuits in the pcm to correctly thoroughly reset.?shift registers pcm preventing improper latch up

[@MCFIXIT]

Thanks for writing this out for others to read. I’m sure it will be helpful for those trying to diagnose their issue!

[@darielbrown9823]

I like your test light better, could you tell me where you got your test light at.

[@MCFIXIT]

They are reasonably priced and very helpful. Here is the link: Test Light - amzn.to/3QW24Hs

[@blondepegasus2512]

We own a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan with a wheelchair lift for our 19 year old son. My husband got in this morning and it wouldn’t start. He took my car to work and when he got home, he set up the trickle charger. When we went to check several hours later, it was still dead as a doorknob. He took the battery out and took it to auto zone and it tested fine. While he was gone, I watched only the first 3.5 minutes of your video. He called to say battery was good and now he didn’t know what to do. We were going to have to have it towed tomorrow to the dealership and would have probably spent several hundred dollars having it diagnosed and fixed. I told him to try one more thing and had him check the start module like you showed. He took it out and replaced it with the power seat module and BAM, it started right up! Our son has a very important doctor’s appt tomorrow we were going to have to cancel and because of you, we’re going to make it. This is how good tutorials and good people like you affect real lift people. Thank you so much!

[@MCFIXIT]

That’s great news! Glad to hear you were able to get it fixed and still make the appointment tomorrow. Thanks for sharing!

[@grandpanero7284]

That's not power seat module, no power seat module works for engine module. You might be talking about fuses or a relay.

[@amandajcaudillo]

So do you think back when you cleaned the piece coming from the battery into the box that all along your pcm was going out? Hope I'm making sense, lol.

[@MCFIXIT]

Not sure I understand the question. Are you asking bc I had to clean the box that my pcm is going out?

[@wyzecamtimelapse9297]

I thought the same thing too! I have watched nearly every video on the internet about this issue, including the old one MC Fix It made where he cleaned the terminal to the TIPM to fix the intermittent start issue. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZrVXpV-a9GEjMk) I assume the fix was temporary--as frustrating as these issues are--and this was the real fix. Hopefully it will be for me!

[@MCFIXIT]

Any luck on finding the root cause?

[@nancybrowning3380]

great video, if I don,t hear the click does that mean my ignition switch is NOT working?

[@thomasquinn5537]

Have someone turn the key while you listen with your ear to the fuse box.

[@MCFIXIT]

Good tip! Thanks for adding this!

[@dannyo6699]

@4:19 to 4:58 there is a magical change, a Walmart Everstart battery suddenly appears, and a regular Mopar battery is present for the rest of the video.

[@MCFIXIT]

Yes, I had to re-film part of it due to an error on my go pro recording that segment. It doesn’t affect the repair…. That part was recorded almost 6 months after the original showing the eventual repair in the video worked

[@dannyo6699]

@@MCFIXIT Yea no problem. I work in the Auto Care center at my local Walmart as an Auto Care Tech so those Ever start batteries tend to jump out at me when I see them😁

[@xlargetophat]

You're awesome. Great video.

[@MCFIXIT]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@tracyolson8427]

Where did you order the new PCM from? And about how much did it cost! Thank you

[@MCFIXIT]

I got it from here: PCM - carcomputerexchange.com (not sponsored by them). I believe it was around $150. Not sure what the cost is now. It was pretty easy to remove and plug in the new one though. You will need a place to program your VIN number into the system. That's why I went with a place like Car Computer Exchange instead of a junkyard for the PCM.

[@sellmyvan5577]

hi - thanks for great video. I'm just a DIY'er so my apologies that I don't know the right terms to use. I have a 2016 Grand Caravan so the "fuse box" (TIPM) layout is different than yours. However, I located and was testing the starter relay, as you did. I was attempting to jump between pin 30 and 87 as you did - buts here's the thing. As soon as I insert ONE side of the jumper wire into slot 30, the starter cranks over. I don't have to actually touch slot 87! that seems really strange to me. A short maybe? What do you think? (thanks in advance)

[@MCFIXIT]

That’s definitely a different generation and many of the pins might be different than this video so always double check it like you did. Have you tried to swap relays with the same type in your fuse box (like a horn or ac relay)? If it works then you most likely have a bad relay which is the easiest fix you can have. Hope that helps

[@tubergonz]

Is this not the same minivan that you did another video where it looked like the fix was the 4 pronged connecter going to the fuse box? Did it turn out that that wasn't the real issue and it was the computer?

[@MCFIXIT]

Different issue. Same vehicle though.

[@tubergonz]

@@MCFIXIT Was it not both no start, no crank? What was the difference?

[@Beatz4Yasharahla]

WHERE can I find that wire with the metal hooks on the ends that you used on the starter relay?? Did you make it? With what?

[@MCFIXIT]

Just a piece of wire that I stripped the ends with. I would suggest finding solid copper for it (not threaded copper wire).

[@Beatz4Yasharahla]

THANKS. How about the hook(ish) pieces?@@MCFIXIT

[@jphamilton6987]

Good video! Thanks for making this video!

[@MCFIXIT]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelmedina6487]

Cool vid. Good fix

[@MCFIXIT]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dimimexmaquinadosyautomati8217]

Hi man, good video. Where did you buy the ecm?. Do you have the web Page?. Im in México, thanks

[@MCFIXIT]

Yes, it’s linked in my video description. Not sure if they ship outside the US since it’s a U.S. based company

[@zoemeow7677]

Is possible the headlight shorted the pcm 💔 awww yeah blessed 💖✨

[@MCFIXIT]

It could but I’m never found the root cause

[@malibu1142]

Is it possible to jump the van if the starter is good using the wire to the relay? with key on in ignition?

[@MCFIXIT]

I've never tried that. I know you can test your starter by doing this though. Let me know what you find out!

[@a.m.s.1300]

Yes you can. A solid copper is better or swist the copper tightly

[@nancybrowning3380]

Is this vehicle the same as my 2013 dodge grand caravan?

[@MCFIXIT]

No. It’s a few generations older. It might be similar in the repair but things will most likely look different due to the age difference

[@maurice6125]

GREAT Video‼️It was very helpful‼️😃‼️

[@MCFIXIT]

Thanks so much!

[@lizahoskins7902]

My 2001 town and county is doing this but its not giving me any diagnosis!!!! So this may be the issue?????

[@MCFIXIT]

Did it work for you?

[@alisonbablo9796]

Is this 2002 T&C a grey key (security? Or black key ( non- security)? I replaced my ignition switch, left the battery connected, when I restarted, it started then died. So I saw this and wondered if the PCM is related to needing the SKIM deleted from the PCM? Does replacing the PCM accomplish this? Mine is grey key with chipped keys and security

[@MCFIXIT]

I only had black keys and I don’t think they have SKIM later years. So I’m unsure of your question bc I didn’t have to deal with SKIM keys.

[@justinbecker3340]

Did you wind up replacing the PCM?

[@nancybrowning3380]

what is the name of that fuse you took out and tested. looking at a diagram Run accessory relay or or Run Relay or Run Start Relay?

[@tinafehn7549]

so i have 2011 dodge caravan . while driving it died on me. It wasnt overheated. But my cluster componet would not work as if someone took out my battery. Now we have replaced the wiring harness, fusebox and the brain or pcm. still same problem no turn over no start. what should i try next?

[@MCFIXIT]

Sadly, this is a common issue with these vehicles. Your vehicle is a few generations newer, but if you have check or replaced the ground connections, I'd do that. They can cause a lot of the issues you mentioned.

[@batman5194]

My question is this. I changed my alternator after it was smoking badly and my starter. Yet my dodge grand caravan still won't start. I hear each time I turn on the ignition I hear a buzzing soung coming from the computer. If I leave my battery connection too long it kills the battery. Is my problem the computer? I brought it from autozone.

[@MCFIXIT]

Have you checked for a faulty ground cable? That’s what it sounds like to me. To where you are not grounded properly. It’s hard to diagnose without being there in person.

[@batman5194]

@@MCFIXIT the battery began to drain soon as I changed the computer. I leave the battery connected too long and it dies every time. Becoming super expensive. Not sure what you mean about ground wires but I've already changed my started, alternator and battery. Only thing left is that computer which makes a strange sound every time I turn the van on.

[@MCFIXIT]

The ground wires often become corroded. There are a few of them attached to the engine and one under the plastic crate for the battery. These can become corroded by rust and need to be cleaned up or replaced.

[@calebeads4685]

Why are trouble codes unattended too

[@MCFIXIT]

What trouble codes? No codes came up on my scans.

[@VenceHumber]

So how much and where can I get the PCM from

[@MCFIXIT]

There are a number of online places to get them from. Or you can go to the dealership, but they will cost a lot more money! It’s been a few years since I’ve done this project, but I believe it cost me it just over $150 for a programmed PCM. I’m certain thats gone up quite a bit. If you get one from a junkyard, you’re gonna have to have somebody program it.

[@garyanderson4374]

All they needed was vin?

[@MCFIXIT]

It should be VIN, make, and model. I’m not sponsored by them and they could have changed what they needed since this video was recorded. Hope you get your issues fixed!

[@batman5194]

I guess the million dollar question is this. I just replaced my vans computer today an it still won't crank. I have a new battery, a new starter, and a new alternator. All my spark plugs are new along with the wires. What am I missing here why it still won't crank? I cleaned the connectors to the battery but nothing.

[@MCFIXIT]

Have you checked your ground connections? There’s one under the battery plastic holder and on the other side of engine. These can often become bad and cause this issue.

[@batman5194]

@@MCFIXIT I've tested all the ground areas and it's all good. Nothing is under 12 volts. Still not sure why it won't crank. I'm trying to avoid spending to much money on something that I can fix myself.

[@Kimberleighkole]

Have you done a video on changing the wire harness under/behind the plenum?

[@MCFIXIT]

Sorry I have not. I do not own the vehicle any longer. @@Kimberleighkole

[@LosMohosos]

I’m trying to order a computer but they didn’t ask me for the vin nor anything just the year make and model

[@MCFIXIT]

They should ask for vin bc there are multiple different models and engine sizes. I’d try another location. You want to ensure it’s correct for your vehicle.

[@johnthecarguy2414]

Did the key fob not work when the pcm went out?

[@MCFIXIT]

Key fob still worked

[@johnthecarguy2414]

@MCFIXIT must be my bcm then. My remote stopped working then the van wouldn't stay running now won't crank at all.

[@curtiscastor3019]

Where did you order the used pcm from

[@MCFIXIT]

carcomputerexchange.com (NOT SPONSORED BY THEM, but they did a good job in it)

[@mixmediaproductions]

How much is the PCM pls??

[@MCFIXIT]

Depends on how much you want to spend and where you get it from. It's been a few years, but I believe it was around $150 for a PCM programmed to my VIN. You can get one a junkyard much cheaper and pay someone to program it. Some places will only program it if they sell you the part though. Or you could get to a dealership, but you are looking at multiple hundreds of dollars. Or you could order a new PCM and that would be even more money. Things might have been more expensive since I did this fix. It takes me a while to actual edit and upload videos... so the post date is probably 6 month or longer after the video was taken.

[@barneygordon2585]

IS THAT THE negative side of the battery you use for the test light?

[@aLaCartePizza]

Ground

[@JamesDoylesGarage]

HELP ME ! I'm stranded and friends are driving by and laughing at me in the Soccer Mom car ! lol Really great job. Very quick and thorough. I like the analysis of the relay and pins. We have a 2009 Dodge van with the same issue. Surprisingly have not seen anyone conclude or point to the ECU, or how to test the relay. In the Dodge caravan 2009 it's a different fuse box and relay. Have you done a video on the 2009 or that 2008 to 2012 series? I understand the Ram pick up and other Dodge vehicles have the same issues with the same fuse box. Thanks Subscribing :)

[@MCFIXIT]

Sorry I have not worked one of that range. When they switch up boxes often things change a lot. I was going to suggest finding a similar model with the same box. I’d watch those videos and see what the leading issue could be and fix that.

[@DoinisDavid-sw5cg]

Can I get a pcm of this one? Please!

[@crystalclear602]

Great vid. Maybe you can help me. I am having an intermittent no crank no start issue. After I run and get to normal temp, when I shut off I have the issue but if I wait minutes or so it will start. I have traced to the win at ign switch. What I want to do is bypass the win with a button to crank. I will be able to trace, but as smart as you are and as lazy as I am you probably have the answer..LOL thx again.

[@BrianHughes-e4d]

Clean the transmission ground underneath.located under a transmission bolt

[@MCFIXIT]

Great tip! The grounds on this can often be an issue that is overlooked. You need a good ground for the vehicle to start and work properly.

[@BrianHughes-e4d]

I had the same problem with a town and country van.i tried everything and spent more money than I expected.the problem ended up being a faulty corroded ground located on the driver side underneath by the transmission housing.there is a ground cable that connects to a transmission bolt I didn't see it at first because the ground ring that is under the bolt bent up and around and was hard to see.once I took the bolt out and cleaned it ,reconnected it the problem was solved.i truly think that the recall that the manufacturer stated was related to the ignition is false.i actually think that it is this ground because I had the recall fixed and still had this problem until I found the dirty ground myself

[@thomasquinn5537]

I know the exact issue for your problem it's the wires that are right above the exhaust manifold shielding where the exhaust pipe goes back on the driver side of the engine bay cut the insulation off and you'll find them all melted together separate each one and retape them pull it up over the top and tie strap it higher up above the exhaust manifold

[@thomasquinn5537]

​@@BrianHughes-e4dtake the insulation off of the wire harness that runs right above the exhaust on the driver side they will be melted together tape each one and strap the entire harness higher up above away from the exhaust

[@elmeromero1065]

Which company that you get ECM and how it cost, I had check engine light, but everything working even though it gave a code for ECM but other information say check broken wire

[@MCFIXIT]

PCM - carcomputerexchange.com (NOT SPONSORED BY THEM). I believe it was about $150 but that was a few years ago!

[@faithhowe6170]

The new PCM I bought for my 2004 Alero refused to find the key and therefore would not start, finally got it started but after driving one mile it quit and would not start again. returned it, got a replacement, same thing, it started once but after driving for 1 mile it won't start again. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Please help if you can.

[@MCFIXIT]

Who did you get your new pcm through?

[@faithhowe6170]

@@MCFIXIT Flagship One

[@MCFIXIT]

Haven’t heard of them before. Did you reach out to them?

[@jfandag8008]

I just ordered a pcm from flagship 1, I hope my pcm doesn't have any issues. 😮

[@SergeSaati007]

I have the same issue I knew it was the PCM

[@diosesplenitud]

I have a 99 Grand Caravan that is having same problem but when I connect an OBD Scanner inside and turn the key, the engine starts with no issues. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

[@VenceHumber]

So where is that scanner located at

[@abumannocchi]

No key just bought car how to start

[@robertobaez3823]

Best video the subject so far. And I have seen many. Thank you sir. Updates?

[@MCFIXIT]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching and commenting! Sorry, I don't have any updates besides that it's still going strong.

[@DaveHobbs-l8i]

Who would care where the address is to travel to your location ' common man

[@scottfranson4215]

Good video! Thanks for making this video!

[@MCFIXIT]

Thanks so much!